unitednationsdevelopmentprogramme / CC by 2.0

For almost two months, rescue workers from around the world have been hard at work trying to clean up the devastation in the wake of Haiti's tragic earthquake. Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, with support from PETA, continues to address the needs of displaced animals in Haiti, while Maryland-based Food for Life Global—the world's largest vegan relief organization—is distributing vegan meals every day to hungry people in Port-au-Prince. Thanks to the hard work of both of these organizations, the world can see that it is possible to relieve suffering without harming animals.

How can you make a difference? Lift the spirits of those who are helping the animals and humans of Haiti by posting a brief message of support to rescue workers now, and consider honoring their hard work by pledging to go vegan, volunteering at your local animal shelter, or donating to PETA.

Written by Logan Scherer

As you know, the situation in Haiti is dire, and aid is still desperately needed for all victims of the earthquake. Last week, PETA joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) to assist animals in the area—this week, PETA staff members are baking their buns off for this weekend's national vegan fundraiser, and all proceeds will go toward helping the victims of this disaster. Our vegan desserts and treats are sure to be delicious and—since we'll be following baking tips from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine—healthy.

groovyvegetarian / CC

Want to get involved? Check the long list of bake-sale participants at Post Punk Kitchen—if there isn't an event organized in your area, sign up to organize one. Then tell us which one (or three!) of PCRM's recipes you'll be making.

Written by Karin Bennett

thaindian / CC

The situation in Haiti is obviously bleak for all living beings. PETA is asking rescue and relief agencies on the ground in Haiti—some with rescue dogs from the U.S. and Europe who are helping locate trapped people—to please spare a moment if they can to aid any suffering animal by offering scraps, drops of water, or any other emergency assistance possible. We are offering funding for any emergency services, including for euthanasia to put badly injured animals out of their misery. We are appealing to every kind member of earthquake specialist teams as well as EMS personnel, news reporters, and any other person who is in everyone's debt already for going about the vital task of searching for and rescuing human beings.

All living beings—no matter what their species—deserve the kindness of others. We also ask aid personnel who come across animals who are suffering without any hope of being saved to attempt to be strong and to quickly—and as humanely as possible—put them out of their misery.

Keep checking our blog for updates on the disaster in Haiti and for ways you can help the country's animals.

examiner / CC

The aftershocks of Haiti's massive earthquake are still reverberating. The human death toll estimates are in the tens of thousands, but no one has a clue how many animals have been hurt or killed. We know that you are as worried as we are, so please know that we are monitoring the situation and looking for opportunities to help in case they arise. Of course, it is a terribly difficult situation: Criminal acts abound and can only increase, the likelihood of martial law looms, and there is a severe water shortage. The outbreak of disease from contaminated water and broken sewer systems is sure to follow. There are no commercial flights in and out of Haiti, and there is no functional SPCA or humane organization on the island. But we are receiving information from PETA members' families inside Haiti, and we will update you as to how you can help the island's animals if we find a way.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, PETA teams rescued more than 300 cats, dogs, birds, and other animals and helped care for thousands more at emergency animal shelters. Of course, every day is a bad day for animals who are not often on people's minds—like those in slaughterhouses and fur farms in the U.S. and overseas. Please, never forget them: They also need help. Meanwhile, please make sure that you and everyone you know is aware of how to protect your own animal companions by preparing for a natural disaster—before it strikes.

Thank you for thinking about animals in trouble.

Written by Logan Scherer

Though 27 greyhound tracks have closed in the U.S., with Rhode Island's last two tracks closing on August 8—and while countries around the world have all shuttered their once-active tracks—a legislature in the Philippines has just introduced a bill that would allow a company to build and operate a brand-new greyhound racetrack.

If approved, this bill has the potential to doom thousands of greyhounds to miserable existences. But have no fear: PETA Asia-Pacific has teamed up with Senator Maria Ana "Jamby" Madrigal—and her fearless dog, Prasad—to urge senators in the Philippines to vote "no" on this cruel bill. Check out Senator Jamby and Prasad in action at Tuesday's press conference inside the Senate building:

Photo © Erving Go
Prasad, a seasoned doggy-do-gooder, is howling mad about the introduction of this bill.

Senator Madrigal has pledged her opposition to this so-called sport because greyhounds who are forced to compete are kept muzzled and confined to cramped cages when they're not training or racing. Once they have slowed down or suffered career-ending injuries, the dogs are often abandoned, killed, or sold to laboratories to be used in experiments.

Don't all greyhounds deserve a loving home like Prasad's?

Written by Liz Graffeo