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Among the 80 Navy SEALs who raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad was a member of another species—a dog. The New York Times reports that a dog who was likely trained to detect explosives was strapped to a SEAL's chest and lowered from a helicopter into the walled compound. Like the identities of the SEALs involved in the mission, details about the dog are being kept under wraps, but we can only hope that, since he or she is being described in the present tense as a "hero," the dog survived and was evacuated safely with the rest of the team.

An estimated 600 dogs are being used by U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, and General David Petraeus has called for the use of even more dogs, claiming that their abilities "cannot be replicated by man or machine." In the year 2011, we would argue that technology can—and should—be used in place of animals in dangerous missions. We are not against working dogs per se (it depends on the conditions, training, and retirement plans), but we are against sending dogs into what will probably be a gun battle.

Written by Alisa Mullins

If you're a little hungry after being up all night watching the news and chanting "USA! USA!" we've got the perfect snack for you: PETA's "Bin Laden Bites" chocolates.
 

 
 
When we sent these delicious dairy-free chocolates to troops in Afghanistan a couple of years ago, they were great for cravings and target practice. Now we're sending them to the Navy SEALs who took the terrorist down in order to show our appreciation. 

And one lucky PETA Files reader can have death by chocolate delivered right to his or her door. Just post a comment to this blog by Thursday, May 5th at 12 p.m., and a winner will be chosen at random on May 10th. If you don't win, you can still order a supply of the star-spangled sweets—and if you have a current military address, we'll throw in the shipping for free.

 
You can also show your patriotic pride with our "Proud to Be a Vegetarian American" bumper sticker," just re-released to celebrate the occasion.

 
Written by Michelle Sherrow

When Glenn Beck broke the story of retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, whose dog, DASY, was allegedly shot and killed by two men Beck appropriately refers to as "Dirtbag 1" and "Dirtbag 2," PETA's Cruelty Investigations Department leapt into action. PETA immediately offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and, if it proves warranted, the conviction of Michael Edmonds, a fugitive, and one of the men accused of the heinous act.

Shortly after we sent our letter to the Texas Rangers' office, Edmonds reportedly turned himself in. And we're happy to announce that he, along with Alfonso Hernandez, is now facing cruelty charges for DASY's death. We understand that both of these monsters are also under investigation for other animal killings in Walker County, Texas.

Watch the moving clip from Glenn Beck's second broadcast on this tragic issue and remember to report cruelty to animals to your local law-enforcement agency—and let us know if the agency doesn't take action or you need help.

Written by Shawna Flavell