However, the revelations continued from here. PETA is in fact against all pet ownership- apparently people "keeping pets" is a form of slavery. PETA's goal is "total animal liberation"- I guess they forgot the difference between a "wild" animal and "domestic" animal. In 2005 PETA killed 90.7% of all animals taken in and only adopted out 6.8%! Where are your donations going? http://petakillsanimals.com/article_detail.cfm?article=134

"PETA raked in nearly $29 million last year in income, much of it raised from pet owners who think their donations actually help animals. Instead, the group spends huge sums on programs equating people who eat chicken with Nazis, scaring young children away from drinking milk, recruiting children into the radical animal-rights lifestyle... PETA has also spent tens of thousands of dollars defending arsonists and other violent extremists."- PetaKillsAnimals.com

Does this mean that all non-profit organizations have dirty little secrets? Of course not! Many wonderful organizations depend solely on the donations of supporters. However, be sure to research the organizations you support to be sure they care about the issues you care about. Otherwise you may be disillusioned like I was. PETA may do good work in the eyes of some- certainly not in my eyes, as they stand at the opposition of some very important causes to me and many others. 

When I donate to an organization I read and search their website and press releases for the issues important to me. If I'm feeling very lazy I will contact them with a question similar to "What is your organizations stand on BSL?" or "What is your organizations stand on spay/neuter laws?" They will be more than happy to respond to your concerns if it means gaining a new supporter!

Another way to donate is to support the causes you care about directly. Support your local animal shelters and rescue organizations, support individual causes that you care about.  For example, one of the I Heart Paws forum members is currently fighting a "puppy-mill" in court. This is the type of "issue" that animal lovers against puppy-mills will and can support directly without wondering how much money is actually making it way to the cause.

Regardless of whether you care about BSL, puppy-mills, animal rescue, AIDS, Cancer Research, or any cause at all these guidelines should stand true.  I hope this article helped open your eyes against writing donations blindly, to research your causes and support the proper organizations that fit your beliefs.

Article written by Christina Harvey, I Heart Paws Administrator.  Click here to contact Ms. Harvey.