What if someone asks you, “Why do people hate PETA?” People hate being confronted with the systemic abuse of our fellow animals every single day in industries that they support.

We know cognitive dissonance when we see it. Humans accustomed to eating meat and wearing leather don’t want to be reminded of the gentle cows who are killed at slaughterhouses, where workers hang them upside down and slit their throats. Those who buy products that were tested on animals don’t want to think about sensitive rabbits, who suffer when experimenters drip painful chemicals into their eyes or implant electrodes in their heads before killing them.

Speciesism—or the idea that humans are superior to other animals and therefore have the “right” to exploit them—is deeply ingrained in our society and is the basis for industries that exploit animals, from various forms of entertainment to the “pet” trade.

PETA routinely exposes the enormous suffering inherent in these industries. We conduct shocking undercover investigations, coordinate provocative campaigns, and organize bold street protests. When we speak up for animal rights, we don’t do it to make people feel comfortable—we do it to urge them to change.

People should feel disturbed by all the cruelty that PETA exposes—that’s the point. But hating on the messenger pointing out what’s uncomfortable to know won’t change the facts: Countless animals are suffering, and we have the power to help them.

Here are a few simple ways you can help our fellow animals instead of hating on PETA:

Help our fieldworkers house and feed neglected companion dogs.

PETA’s fieldworkers diligently help neglected “backyard dogs,” who are often chained outside 24/7 and forced to endure extreme weather conditions. In addition to showing these animals the care and affection that they’re routinely denied, our fieldworkers provide them with food, sturdy doghouses, veterinary care, toys, and more. You can help us continue this work by sponsoring a doghouse or by donating as little as $5 to provide a neglected dog with a week’s worth of food.

Don’t buy products that have been tested on animals.

Experimenters kill countless rabbits, mice, rats, and other animals in pointless product tests each year, which can involve force-feeding them test substances or dripping chemicals into their eyes. Always opt for cruelty-free beauty and household products, which you can find through our Beauty Without Bunnies program.

Speak out against abusive animal displays.

Remind everyone never to patronize crummy roadside zoos, marine parks, traveling animal acts, or any other cruel operation that exploits animals for entertainment.

Keep animal-derived materials out of your closet.

Don’t wear animals’ skin, wool, feathers, or fur. Plenty of brands sell vegan leather, faux fur, and other animal-free options.

Promote a vegan lifestyle in your community.

Cook a vegan meal for your neighbors, donate vegan items to your local food bank, and ask your friends and family to take PETA’s 3-Week Vegan Challenge.

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If you want to take further action for animals, check out our top 10 action alerts this month: