If 2006 is anything like the past year, then we have many ground-breaking successes for animals to look forward to!

In our campaign to stop the worst abuses of sheep used for Australian merino wool, PETA convinced retailers around the world to boycott wool from “mulesed” sheep. Our efforts to educate retailers, consumers and farmers have saved many lambs from the cruel mulesing mutilation this year.

Despite its multi-million-pound budget and hiring some of the most high-powered lawyers, Covance, the largest drug-testing company in the world, was unable to stop the public from witnessing its hideous abuse of primates after we won the right to show an undercover video 24 hours a day on our Web site.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of PETA’s work is showing young people how their decisions affect animals. Children are bombarded every day with messages that condone animal abuse. They are taken to aquaria and zoos, where animals are confined for life to tiny tanks and cages. They are given school uniforms made of wool and shoes and belts made of leather. They are fed fried chicken and hamburgers.

We need to enable young people to question this world view. Someone has to give them a chance to hear that animals deserve to be free from exploitation and that for every item or activity that harms animals, there is always a compassionate alternative. I think you’ll enjoy reading about how we’re doing just that!

Of course, none of PETA’s work would be possible without the help of our supporters, and we are most thankful for the generosity of these important members of the PETA team.

Yours faithfully,

Ingrid E. Newkirk Managing Director, PETA Europe Ltd