A domestic shorthair cat waits to be adopted. (PHOTO CREDIT: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

Here's something about PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - that might surprise you.

AOL News reports that the organization euthanizes more than 90 percent of the dogs and cats sent to its Virginia headquarters. According to state records, PETA euthanized more than 2,300 dogs and cats in 2009 - or 97 percent of all those brought in. It adopted only eight.

By contrast - in 2008, the Norfolk SPCA adopted 86 percent of its dogs and cats while euthanizing only five percent. And the Norfolk, Virginia city pound euthanized about half of its dogs and cats last year.

Critics are fuming, saying PETA's numbers can't be "ethically rationalized." They insist shelters should only euthanize those animals that are too aggressive or have health issues. They shouldn't put them down merely because they don't have room for them.

But PETA tells a different story. They say the Virginia facility is not an adoption center but rather a "shelter of last resort," taking in those animals that other shelters reject. PETA says its "euthanasia program has never been a secret" and that it is only one of the many things they do to alleviate suffering of animals.

PETA says that it is worse for animals to be caged up in over-crowded shelters. They put the blame on breeders and pet shops that create six to eight million shelter animals every year, which is why they also promote spaying and neutering of pets.

The irony is PETA has a reputation for instantly jumping all over any group or individual who they consider guilty of poor treatment of animals. And some people might think putting animals to sleep falls into that category.

Here’s my question to you: Do PETA's euthanasia rates for animals make the group hypocritical?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

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This photo, taken in Brussels, Belgium shows a so-called euthanasia kit, which is available to doctors in some countries, but not in the U.S. The kits must be ordered, picked up, and administered by the doctors themselves. (PHOTO CREDIT: ETIENNE ANSOTTE/AFP/Getty Images)

FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

Some Canadian doctors want their government to decriminalize euthanasia.

They say that euthanasia is already widely practiced in Quebec's hospitals; and the government should stop ignoring it. They say doctors know when death is "imminent and inevitable" and suggest there should be guidelines for medical professionals to follow in such circumstances.

Those who support what they call dying with dignity say it could apply to patients with a terminal disease like cancer, or babies born with serious medical conditions or seniors whose bodies are simply shutting down on them.

Euthanasia is legal in some countries - including the Netherlands and Belgium - while Switzerland allows doctor-assisted suicide.

Here in the U.S., Washington state and Oregon have laws that allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill patients. They must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. There is some support in Montana for a similar rule.

Euthanasia has long been a controversial issue - much like abortion - especially among religious groups. Critics worry that doctor-assisted suicide will pressure people with terminal illnesses - who may be poor or disabled - to end their lives early. Supporters insist it is a dignified way for people who are suffering to go in peace.

One of the most well-known supporters of euthanasia is Jack Kevorkian - who was dubbed Dr. Death. The Michigan doctor served eight years in prison after saying he had assisted in at least 130 suicides.

Here’s my question to you: Should euthanasia be legal?

Tune in to the Situation Room at 6pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.

And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

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