Claim:
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) euthanized approximately 67% of the animals it took in during 2024.
Rating:
True
Context:
According to official data from the state of Virginia—where PETA’s U.S. headquarters is located—this statistic is accurate. Specifically, calculations based on state records put the figure at 66.7%. A PETA spokesperson explained that the organization operates as the region’s last shelter offering “free end-of-life services” for suffering animals, which leads to a high volume of referrals from other shelters and veterinary clinics.
In October 2026, social media rumors spread claiming that the animal welfare organization PETA put down 67% of the animals it received throughout 2024. Online users pointed to figures suggesting that 2,213 out of 3,317 animals taken in that year were euthanized.
The assertion initially gained traction from a popular hunting and fishing Facebook page called Rack Junkies.
Official records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirm that the claim is mathematically accurate. PETA’s animal custody reports for 2024 show a total intake of 3,317 companion animals, consisting of 1,374 dogs and 1,885 cats, with 2,709 of those pets specifically categorized as “surrendered by owner.”
Out of those 3,317 animals, 2,213 were euthanized, resulting in a rate of 66.7% (which rounds up to 67%). Broken down by species, 875 dogs (63.7%) and 1,299 cats (68.9%) were put down. Additionally, records regarding wildlife intake in 2024 indicate that 32 of 38 wild animals received were euthanized (84.2%).
PETA’s official explanatory notes accompanying the report state that its facility serves as “the last in the region to still provide free end-of-life services.” The organization noted that dozens of local Virginians were directed to PETA by area shelters and veterinary clinics for end-of-life assistance, which significantly skewed their overall statistics. The notes also clarified that the wildlife listed as euthanized consisted of animals that were critically injured or dying.
A PETA spokesperson criticized the online attention, arguing that the statistics were deliberately misrepresented by a hunting enthusiast. The spokesperson emphasized that PETA’s service area spans across 260 localities in Virginia and North Carolina, naturally driving up intake and euthanasia numbers compared to localized shelters. Furthermore, while nearby facilities often enforce restrictive “no-kill” policies or turn animals away, PETA maintains an open-door policy that accepts all animals without admission fees, waiting lists, or discrimination.
PETA’s intake policies explicitly state that the shelter handles aggressive, feral, or dangerous animals rejected elsewhere, including dogs previously adopted out by other facilities that refused to take them back after behavioral issues arose. Over 100 ailing, dangerous, or actively dying animals were reportedly referred to PETA by external shelters and vets that year.
Controversy surrounding PETA’s high euthanasia rates is not new. A prominent 2012 exposé by The Atlantic highlighted historical data showing very low adoption rates for the organization, prompting a response from a PETA representative at the time defending euthanasia as an act of compassion for unwanted or suffering animals. Past fact-checks have also examined related controversies, including past statements made by PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk regarding euthanasia and historical allegations concerning pet retrieval practices.