Desert temperatures rose even higher as PETA's hot "cops" patrolled the Las Vegas strip, where they educated tourists about how animals suffer when they are killed and skinned to become boots, belts, and bags.

Honeymooners, bachelor partygoers, and even some casino employees lined up to talk to and pose for photos with our "fashion police," who were armed with information about alternatives to fur, leather, and exotic skins.

Watch out, fashion felons. PETA's peace officers are on patrol.

After one construction worker promised the "cops" he would give pleather boots a try, they let him go with a warning—to stay away from animal skins in the future.

"Holy pleather, Batman!"

Next stop—KOMP's Rock & Roll Morning Show to give listeners the straight story on synthetics.

Written by Karin Bennett

Best Cat in the Universe: Ziggy

Just think—the next Best Cat in the Universe could be waiting for you at your local animal shelter. Kinda gives you goose bumps, doesn't it? If you have the energy, resources, and, most importantly, lap time to devote to a feline companion, you can't go wrong by adopting a cat from an animal shelter. But just in case you need some convincing, here are the top 10 reasons why shelter kitties rule:

10. You'll get the best selection in town—animal shelters are usually full to overflowing (unfortunately) with cats of all shapes, sizes, ages, energy levels, and temperaments.
9. Shelter cats are often already spayed or neutered (or else the cost of the surgery is included in the adoption fee). What a deal! Animal shelters also often throw in lots of swag, such as cat food, toys, and treats.
8. On a related note, shelter cats are almost always already housebroken, and many have been trained to use a scratching post too.
7. Many shelter cats are adults whose personalities are already developed, so you know what who you're getting.
6. Lots of shelter cats are mixed breeds who are less likely to inherit the congenital defects that plague (inbred) purebreds, including heart and eye defects and cleft palates.
5. If you have kids, having a cat can actually help prevent them from developing allergies.
4. No need for an electric blanket (or a masseuse)—cats make excellent bed-warmers.
3. No need for a big-screen TV, either. Cats provide all the entertainment you need.
2. You will finally learn the answer to the question "What do you do with an empty paper bag?"
1. And the number one reason for adopting a shelter cat is, of course, that you're saving a cat's life. Which is really the only reason that matters, isn't it?

Written by Alisa Mullins

P.S. After you've given a kitty a forever home, you should check out this book: 250 Things You Can Do to Make Your Cat Adore You.

azcarpetandtilecleaning / CC

Kudos to caring California residents, including the folks at Social Compassion in Legislation, for helping to get SB 250, known as the Pet Responsibility Act, passed by the California Senate.

Introduced by state Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, SB 250 would require that nearly all dogs and free-roaming cats be spayed or neutered. (Breeders would be required to obtain permits to keep unaltered animals.) California spends $250 million every year to shelter homeless animals, many of whom are eventually euthanized.

If it passes the State Assembly, SB 250 will save lives. After Santa Cruz County enacted similar legislation, the number of euthanized animals dropped by 60 percent, so it's crucial that this legislation becomes law.

Concerned Californians—please don't wait to write a letter (calls and e-mails won't be effective at this time) to your state assemblymember in support of SB 250. Put this quick, simple task on today's "To Do" list and it can lead to a huge victory for animals on tomorrow's "Ta-da!" list.

Written by Karin Bennett

ehow / CC

First, it swore off Australian wool from lambs who have endured the cruel mulesing mutilation. Now, American Eagle Outfitters has taken another compassionate step that is sure to have mice pumping their tiny clenched paws in victory.

After learning that animals caught in glue traps die a slow, agonizing death by starvation—often after trying to gnaw off their own limbs in a vain attempt to free themselves—the ever-trendy, animal-friendly clothing chain has joined JPMorgan Chase in swearing off the use of glue traps in its stores.

Leave a comment below to congratulate American Eagle, then head on over to our Get Active page and let Lowe's know that it should follow AE's example and stop selling glue traps in its stores.

Written by Shawna Flavell

Thanks for all of your wonderful comments on this Win It Wednesday. The winner of the shower radio is Corey Robben. Congratulations!

OK, I'll admit it: I sing in the shower. It's safer than dancing, and everyone knows that lathering up just isn't as much fun without a soundtrack.

Belting it out is much easier when you have accompaniment, so we're giving away one of these super-cute Bug Shower & Bath Radios for this week's "Win It" Wednesday. It's water-resistant, and more importantly (at least to your dog's sensitive ears), it will help you hit those high notes.

brookstone / CC

How do you win? What's your favorite animal-friendly band? Let us know in a comment below, and we'll pick the most rockin' answer to win the Bug Shower & Bath Radio. (Hint: You can find a bunch of PETA-friendly bands at peta2.com.)

The contest ends on June 17, 2009, and we'll choose the best comment as the winner on June 19, 2009. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting. Check back every Wednesday for new prizes. Good luck!

Written by Lianne Turner