David Harrell, who manages the store where the animals were dumped, received a letter from Newkirk apologizing and offering money, stating, "If it is true, as it appears, that our staff members have done this, PETA owes you a huge apology. Such conduct is hideous and absolutely violates PETA policy. Although the case is pending, I would like to pay for any expenses that you might have incurred in dealing with body disposal or related matters. Please let me have a bill for that and I will see that it is promptly attended to." 1
PETA issued another apology limited to the dumping of the bodies on August 15, 2005 in response to an article on the PETA arrests by Randy Cassingham of This is True:
"A terrible mistake was made with the dead bodies, but no secret was made of the fact that PETA euthanizes animals and that the animals retrieved from the pounds would be provided with a humane death." But veterinarians and animal control officers disagreed. They told police PETA workers promised to find homes for the animals rather than euthanize them.