A New York court saved NYPD Blue some green today by nullifying a $1.2 million fine that the Federal Communications Commission handed to ABC after the network aired an episode in which Charlotte Ross bared her backside. The court said that it wasn't "per se indecent." We agree. Baring one's buns isn't nearly as indecent as, say, bludgeoning bunnies for their fur.

Charlotte, who now has a recurring role alongside Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, and other PETA pals on the Fox hit Glee, showed that she'd rather bare her skin than wear animals' skins in this ad she did for PETA while she was filming NYPD Blue. Pretty decent of her, eh?

Written by Michelle Sherrow

Hmm, what to have for dinner? Fast, easy, and guaranteed cruelty-free—dum-da-da-dum—Internet Soup!

• Glee star Lea Michele's PETA ad is making New Yorkers think twice about getting taken for a ride.
• This turtle is shell on wheels.
• Google Maps is tracking mass animal deaths. I wonder if it shows a blue bubble over Donna Karan.
• These crows show how intelligent they are by using tools—and we're not talking about this tool, who obviously isn't as smart.
• A cute new video shows that even aliens don't understand animal abuse. Think they'd feel like abducting Ronald McDonald? Nah, probably not.
• Ugh! Another reason not to wear those Ugg-ly sheepskin boots.
• Belated holiday tips from an engineer with too much time (and cats) on his hands. Happy Friday!

Written by Michelle Sherrow

Glee actor and PETA supporter Lea Michele is once again showing that she's got a heart to match her lovely voice by calling for an end to the "dangerous" and "scary" horse-drawn carriage industry in new video and print PSAs for PETA. Horses who are forced to pull carriages endure long workdays while exposed to extreme temperatures and dangerous traffic and are often denied adequate rest, water, and food.

Lea sat down for an interview with PETA to discuss the miserable conditions that she's seen these animals endure, and she hopes that others will join her in the campaign to shut down the horse-drawn carriage industry.

This isn't the first time that Lea has spoken out for horses—she appeared in another PETA ad against the horse-drawn carriage industry back when she was starring in Spring Awakening on Broadway and saw horses toiling at New York's Central Park. The multitalented star is also a vegan (she credits her healthy diet with giving her the energy to keep up with her bubbly Glee character, Rachel) and is a vocal opponent of fur. 

Written by Michelle Sherrow

Here's one for the Christmas carolers—Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, featuring PETA pals Lea Michele and Jane Lynch. Surely you'll want to a-choir this one for your holiday music collection—and if you come out on top of this week's "Win It" Wednesday challenge, you will. 

How can you win it? Simply rework a verse from your favorite holiday song to tell us how you'll bring glee to the animals in your life. If I could enter, mine would go like this:

I know, I know. It'll be a cinch for you to top mine, but do us a favor and tell us which holiday classic you've drawn your inspiration from. The entry that most makes our judges burst out into a sing-along will win.

The contest ends on December 8, and the winner will be chosen on December 10. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!

Written by Karin Bennett

Please note: Glee is a registered trademark of Twentieth Century Fox. Twentieth Century Fox is not affiliated with PETA, nor do they endorse, sponsor, or otherwise support this promotion.

One could be forgiven for mistaking this year's list of Emmy nominees for the guest list for PETA's 30th Anniversary Gala. Just look at all these talented PETA supporters:

• Alec Baldwin, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
  It would take less time to list what he hasn’t done for animals, but my personal favorite is his powerful narration of PETA's "Meet Your Meat" video. Alec, if you do decide to retire from acting, the door is always open in the PETA Foundation’s A-V department.
• Lea Michele, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
  We can't stop singing the praises of this break-out star whose voice is almost as big as her heart.
• Edie Falco, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
  The Sopranos veteran knows that crime doesn't pay—especially crimes against animals.
• Kyra Sedgwick, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
  If elephants could vote, they'd certainly choose the kind Closer star.
• Jane Lynch, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
  Personally, I think her adorable PETA spay/neuter ad should have been nominated too.
• Martin Short, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
  Ditto for Martin Short's inspired interview with a demented Ronald McDonald.
• Ricky Gervais, Outstanding Animated Program
  His animated PETA ad is pretty outstanding too.
• Bill Maher, Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series and Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special
  He can find humor in just about anything—except the Canadian seal slaughter (actually, his digs at seal hunters are pretty funny).

Best of luck to you, animal-rights thespians—although I have to admit that I'll also be rooting for fellow William & Mary alum Jon Stewart. Go, Tribe—er—Griffin(s)!

How about you? Feel free to post a comment below letting us know who you think (or hope) will be walking home carrying a little gold-winged woman holding up a medicine ball.

Written by Alisa Mullins

Sue Sylvester, the sardonic cheerleading coach on the breakout TV hit Glee, is a pretty ruthless character, but thanks to the fabulous actor who plays her, Jane Lynch, there's at least one thing that Sue will never resort to: Violence against animals.

When a script called for Sue to intimidate her nemesis, show-choir director Will Schuester, by threatening to give him an adorable cat and then kill him or her, Jane balked, reportedly saying, "I'm not going to say that. I work for PETA. I can't say kill the cat." So, instead, Sue said:

Go, Jane! Not only is this line funnier (it's so Sue Sylvester), it also avoids the very unfunny consequences that occur much too often when sick individuals emulate acts of violence against animals when they see or hear about them in the media—acts that often escalate into attacks on other humans.

This story also offers more proof, if any is needed, that the famous faces who help with PETA's campaigns are walking the walk, even outside the public eye!

Written by Jeff Mackey

Whether she's playing a maniacally mean cheerleading coach on Glee, a randy store manager in 40-Year-Old Virgin, or a freakishly fanatical poodle pimp in Best in Show, actor Jane Lynch is a comedic genius. But my new favorite is her recent performance in a new PETA public service announcement.

The Chicago native also penned a letter urging Mayor Richard M. Daley to pass a law requiring city residents to spay and neuter their dogs and cats. Why is Jane so gung ho to support PETA and help tackle the companion animal overpopulation crisis? She tells all in this exclusive interview:

Feeling inspired to help homeless dogs and cats in your own community and beyond? Fantastic! Remember to always adopt and never to buy—and make sure that your friends, neighbors, and coworkers know your reasons why.* Talk to everyone you know to explain how spaying and neutering can help save lives.

Written by Karin Bennett

*Yes, that rhyme was intentional.

© Star Max Inc.

Although she plays William McKinley High's queen of mean on Glee, in real life, Dianna Agron is actually the roommate of Lea Michele, who plays her fictional nemesis. I know, you are relieved. But the good news doesn't stop there. Not only are the two talented actors actually roommates, it turns out that, like Lea, Dianna's a vegetarian and a big-time PETA supporter! Considering that Jenna Ushkowitz also loves cruelty-free meals, it looks like this season's love triangle isn't the only trifecta on the show.

Now is the perfect time to follow this gleeful trend and say hello to a vegan diet. So how about saying goodbye to meat for a month by pledging to be vegan for 30 days?

Written by Amy Skylark Elizabeth

Oh, Lea, how "my life would suck without you." Luckily for me and the other self-declared Gleeks out there, Glee is returning to Fox on April 13, which means that Lea Michele and her co-stars are in demand everywhere—from Oprah to the Oval Office. Now the vegetarian singer, actor, and friend to animals has teamed up with PETA to speak out against fur. Check out our exclusive interview with the animal-saving star to see how Lea "C's" it. (Spoiler: Sorry, "Sue's Corner" fans, but this "C" stands for compassion.)

Written by Logan Scherer

radiofacts / CC

This is my confession, Usher. When I read that you'd fallen victim to a robbery over the holiday season, I felt bad for you. Someone ripped off your unreleased music and you lost more than $1 million in jewelry! Tough blow. But I hope you realize that you weren't the only victim. Considering that the original owners of the fur coats stolen from your car—the animals—were probably skinned alive, I'd say you got off lucky.

Instead of stealing other animals' skins, I'd love to see you make a donation we can all benefit from. It's been three months since Glee's "Confessions"-"It's My Life" mash-up, and we're dying for more.

So, to sum: Glee donations = good, fur = bad. Robbery = hassle, being skinned alive = horrific. I hope that you will listen when we urge you not to replace the fur coats and to take our pledge to be fur-free.

After all, they call you U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D—it would be great if we could call you C-O-M-P-A-S-S-I-O-N-A-T-E.

Written by Logan Scherer