It was a truly great year for PETA—and for the many animals whose lives were improved and saved by the string of victories won over the past 12 months, all made possible by the vital support of its treasured members. Take a look at the highlights:

 

A new year means new opportunities to help animals, and we all hope 2013 brings even more brilliant victories—but to make that happen, PETA needs everyone to offer as much support as possible.  Don't miss out—become a member today. Your tax-deductable year-end gift will support PETA's crucial work and make 2013 the brightest year yet for animals!

UPDATE: Statement released from Brookhaven National Laboratory: "NASA has informed Brookhaven that a proposal involving primate research at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory on the Brookhaven Lab site should be removed from consideration for experimental time at the facility."

Well, folks, you did it. After scores of protests and more than 100,000 letters, phone calls, and e-mails from PETA supporters—including some high-profile allies, such as Sir Paul McCartney,  Bob Barker, Alicia Silverstone, members of Congress, and even a former NASA astronaut and engineer—the space agency has quietly called off plans to conduct cruel radiation experiments on monkeys. 

 

Thanks in large part to your efforts, dozens of squirrel monkeys have been given an early Christmas gift and will be spared from receiving harmful doses of radiation and then being isolated in cages and subjected to years of behavioral experiments to measure the damage caused by the radiation. Such damage likely would have included brain damage, cataracts, cancerous tumors, loss of motor control, and early death.

Way to go, team—you can be over the moon on this one!

Written by Alisa Mullins

I've always said that numero ocho is a lucky number—think natural wonders, that timeless tune by The Beatles, and Schoolhouse Rock.

And with the premiere of our new tell-all, eight just beat out seven as my number one numeral:

 

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If you've ever wondered, "What's PETA thinking?" then you'll want to watch this. Narrated by our own Ingrid E. Newkirk, the video takes an in-depth look at how and why PETA employees and supporters stay so motivated to defend all animals, including the maligned and misunderstood.

So if your friends or family members have ever asked you, "Why does PETA rely so heavily on the Lettuce Ladies to turn people on to a vegan diet" or "How do you remain so relentless in your efforts to make a difference," now's the time to answer them. Use this video to spread PETA's secrets to everyone you know via Facebook and Twitter.

Written by Karin Bennett

My husband choked back his laughter the one time I mentioned that I was a cheerleader way, way back in high school. I wasn't surprised or offended by his reaction—not only did I retire my miniskirts a long time ago, I've also always been a klutz. But back in those days, I could do the splits, no problemo.

Well, I couldn't stop myself from doing cartwheels after I watched PETA's End of Year 2009 video. Miraculously, I did so without knocking over any lamps, but you might consider clearing any breakables before you view.

 

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From celebrity ads and PSAs to our Ringling Bros. undercover investigation and every single demonstration held by our supporters, PETA was a force to be reckoned with in 2009. If that video doesn't have you convinced, check out our first-ever map of accomplishments. Head over there, click around, and read all about the victories, protests, investigations, and other events that helped make a difference for animals last year.

Now that we've cheered PETA's efforts and accomplishments during 2009, let's look ahead: Tell us how you'll be helping animals in 2010.

Written by Karin Bennett

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Every once in a while, I'm reminded of just how much work we get done here at PETA. That's because once a month, we all gather with our iced coffees and we sit back and listen to the inspiring accomplishments achieved by each department. And it occurred to me this last time that you, the faithful readers, don't get to hear much of this good news. So here's a teeny tiny taste of some of the victories for animals that PETA's various players have accomplished in the past month:

1. North Carolina officials have filed six counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals against a North Carolina man for acts documented in our 2007 undercover investigation of a Smithfield supplier's sow farm. The charges are for acts of dragging pigs by the ear, striking a pig in the face with a handling board, and gouging a pig's eyes with his fingers.
2. After talks with PETA, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway agreed to stop its plans to feature live elephants at a NASCAR race.
3. During a routine visit to a North Carolina trailer park, our Cruelty Investigations Department found two pit bulls suffering from severe puncture wounds and infections—neither of the dogs had been treated for their injuries. One of the dogs appears to have been used as a bait dog and lost both her ears. All 13 thin and miserable dogs—most living in mud pits—were turned over to PETA within four days. The bait dog had to have tubes put in her neck to treat the infection that had spread.
4. On the spay-and-neuter front, Our SNIP-mobile spayed and neutered 476 dogs, cats, and rabbits in the last 30 days! And our new ABC bus spayed and neutered 69 animals; most of the surgeries were done completely free of charge!
5. A butterfly release planned as part of a celebration of two merging Michigan hospitals was called off after speaking with PETA staffers. The butterflies, which had already been received, were taken home by a hospital worker who lives on a farm. The butterflies were released in a secure area.

Stay tuned for future victories!

Posted by Jennifer Cierlitsky