Here is what PETA is saying about this case:

Thank you for contacting PETA about the recent trial in rural North Carolina.

We regret that the two PETA staff members on trial were convicted of littering for disposing of animal bodies in a Dumpster. PETA’s policy requires that euthanized animals be cremated—not disposed of in this way. We regret any concern or confusion about our work that this may have caused you.

Please know that the two PETA staff members were cleared of all other charges, including cruelty to animals. Since these charges were first made in June 2005, PETA has maintained that they were politically motivated by anti-animal groups with connections to local dogfighting, dog-breeding, animal agriculture, and hunting interests. Among these is an organization described in The New York Times as a “front-group” for wealthy industries that are threatened by PETA’s success in bringing about animal welfare reform. Please learn more about this group at the following Web sites:

• http://www.ConsumerDeception.com
• http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=20200

You may be interested in the real story of PETA’s work in rural North Carolina. We began working to improve conditions for animals there in 2000, when we were asked by a police officer to stop local pounds from killing cats and dogs by gassing and shooting them. We immediately began properly—and painlessly—euthanizing sick and unwanted animals. We also started to rebuild pounds, provide training for animal control officers, deliver doghouses and warm bedding to hundreds of “backyard” dogs, and much more.

If you would like to learn more about our work in North Carolina, please visit http://www.HelpingAnimals.com/f-nc.asp. I also hope you will read a recent editorial that sheds more light on the issue of animals suffering in pounds near the North Carolina and Virginia border: http://tinyurl.com/2wkr8n.

Our hope is that this trial will shine light on the staggering dog and cat overpopulation crisis plaguing the United States. Every year, 3 to 4 million dogs and cats must be euthanized in animal shelters. Countless more suffer far worse fates, languishing for years in pounds or dying slow and painful deaths from exposure, starvation, diseases, or injuries on the street.

The practice of euthanasia will continue be a tragic consequence of the cat and dog overpopulation crisis until people stop buying animals from breeders and pet stores and fail to spay and neuter their animal companions.

We need you and all caring people to join us in educating our communities about the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats and adopting animals from shelters rather than patronizing breeders and pet shops.

To learn more about how you can help, please visit the following Web sites:

• Save homeless animals: http://HelpingAnimals.com/ga_spay.asp
• Find out more ways to help dogs and cats: http://www/HelpingAnimals.com
• Become an advocate for animals: http://PETA.org/actioncenter

Thank you again for contacting us. We hope that your concerns have been addressed, and we welcome your help in your community and in our work worldwide.

Very truly yours,

The PETA Staff
www.PETA.org