peta doesn't ever have the best tactics to get people on their side, but if it's true those particular animals can't be saved or live a decent life, there's something to that. but i really doubt they're trying that hard to save these animals.
PETA and HSUS are the animal rescue field's worst enemies
Local private rescues are the way to go if you're donating and adopting; the money you give to your friendly neighborhood rescue is most likely to go directly to helping the animals, not overhead. MSPCA and ARL are good second choices