Look To The Stars News: PETA

Bob Barker Says No To Stampede And Rodeo

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Just days after speaking out against The Price Is Right’s recent promotion of the Calgary Stampede and Rodeo, iconic television host Bob Barker has fired off another letter on PETA’s behalf to the event’s main sponsors—including Bell Canada, General Motors of Canada Limited, Anheuser-Busch International, and TransAlta Corporation—to urge them to turn their backs on the notoriously violent and deadly rodeo.

In the letter, Barker points out that horses routinely die in the stampede—one had to be euthanized on the first day of last year’s spectacle, and six horses died in 2010’s event alone. Many more sustain painful injuries.

“The Calgary Stampede has long been synonymous with animal abuse,” writes Barker. “I hope you will agree that no animal deserves to suffer like this in the name of a tradition that should have died out with the covered wagon’s last ride. My friends at PETA and I hope to hear that you will no longer sponsor this event.”

Stella McCartney Says No To Leather

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:15:00 +0000

In a shift in strategy, PETA – along with Stella McCartney – is urging fashionistas to shed not only fur but also leather this Fashion Week with a viral video exposé of the skins trade hosted by McCartney.

“As a designer, I like to work with fabrics that don’t bleed; that’s why I avoid all animal skins,” says McCartney in the video. “Please join me in exploring the huge variety of fashionable shoes, belts, purses, and wallets that aren’t the product of a cow’s violent death.”

As reported in the New York Times, the campaign, set to debut in Manhattan cabs, has had a bumpy start. Because style editors and buyers from around the world scurry between runway shows in taxis during Fashion Week, PETA planned to run a video blitz on taxi video screens—but VeriFone Media, which places the cab ads, refused to allow PETA to buy airtime, saying that the screens run consumer promotions, not cautions. Undeterred, PETA will launch the video on fashion blogs, via tweets from celebrities, and on the Facebook pages of PETA’s million-plus online activists.

Penelope Cruz Gives The Cold Shoulder To Fur

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Academy Award-winner Penelope Cruz gives fur the cold shoulder in a new ad for PETA.

From PETA.org: "Penelope’s passion for cruelty-free fashion goes beyond the red carpet because she knows that fur is never glamorous—not as a coat, a collar, or even tiny trim. In fact, there’s not an inch of fur in the collection that she and her sister designed for the fur-free Spanish clothing retailer Mango.   

Ke$ha And Steve-O Pick Up PETA Awards

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Ke$ha and Steve-O have been honored by PETA with Libby Awards.

Twenty-nine Libby Awards will be given out this year, recognizing everything from the most animal-friendly record label to the top animal-friendly celebrity. Each winner will receive a framed certificate and be featured on peta2.com.

From starring in a campaign aimed at stomping out the Canadian seal slaughter to tackling McDonald’s archaic chicken-slaughter methods, Ke$ha didn’t hesitate to spread the word about animal protection in 2011—and now, the Animal singer has won the title of Most Animal-Friendly Pop/Hip-Hop Artist from peta2, PETA’s youth division.

Anjelica Huston Writes Angry Letter Over Ape Ad

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

In response to CareerBuilder’s Super Bowl ad that uses a chimpanzee, actor Anjelica Huston has just fired off a letter on PETA’s behalf to express her dismay that the company has used a trained chimpanzee for its most recent ad—despite having received copies of Huston’s video exposé that reveals how great-ape “actors,” without exception, are torn from their mothers as babies, violently trained, and then left to languish in cramped cages after they grow too large to control.

Most advertising agencies and businesses—including CareerBuilder’s biggest competitor, Monster—refuse to use great apes in their ads.

“I am distraught that CareerBuilder has decided once again to feature chimpanzee infants in its Super Bowl ad, despite the public outcry and the condemnation of every well-known primatologist, including Dr. Jane Goodall,” wrote Anjelica. "So many advances in protecting chimpanzees have been made in the past few years, and many top ad agencies now refuse to use these animals. Why would you not choose to evolve with the rest of the industry? Even the federal government is set to lay off these sophisticated, social primates: In December, the U.S. suspended all new experiments using chimpanzees after appeals by everyone from astronauts to governors.

Olivia Munn Goes Nude For PETA Campaign

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Olivia Munn has gone nude for PETA’s new anti-fur ad.

From PETA.org: "As a correspondent on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, actor Olivia Munn knows how to find humor in just about anything. But one thing that Olivia—who stars in the highly anticipated Aaron Sorkin HBO series The Newsroom—finds absolutely no humor in is the violence inflicted on animals who are killed for their fur. Olivia, who is of Chinese descent, bares more than just her skin to save animals’ skins: She is exposing fur farms in China, the world’s largest exporter of fur.

Megan Park Says No To Fur

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Actor Megan Park—known to fans of ABC Family’s hot series The Secret Life of the American Teenager as perky cheerleader Grace Bowman—returned to her home province of Ontario this week to urge her fellow Canadians as well as fans everywhere to keep fur out of their wardrobes.

Photo via PETA

Former Pussycat Doll Gets Gory For PETA

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Former Pussycat Doll, Got to Dance judge and BM Beauty Cosmetics founder Kimberly Wyatt, has traded in her glamour for gore in a brand-new PETA ad campaign urging the European Commission not to postpone the 2013 deadline for banning the sale of all cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals.

In the ad, which reads, “Animal-Tested Cosmetics: The Ugly Side of Beauty. Don’t Postpone the EU Ban”, Wyatt’s mouth and bloodshot eyes are encrusted with “sores” in imitation of the sickening – and often deadly – effects of chemical testing on animals.

The Mentalist Star Says No To Factory Dairy Farm

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

In Owain Yeoman’s opinion, it doesn’t take a mentalist to see that factory farming is a recipe for disaster. That’s why the Welsh-born star of the hit American television programme The Mentalist has just fired off a letter on PETA’s behalf to Powys County Council urging council members not to allow a new industrial-size dairy – a factory farm where 1,000 cows would be artificially impregnated, drugged and used as milk machines – to be built at Leighton near Welshpool.

In the letter, Yeoman explains that densely crowded, unsanitary factory farms are breeding grounds for disease – and that they also contribute to environmental destruction.

“As a proud native of Wales, I was disturbed to learn from my friends at PETA that an application to build an industrial dairy-farm operation – where 1,000 cows would be subjected to physical torment – has been submitted,” he wrote. "I respectfully ask that you reject this application immediately.

PETA UK Names Morrissey As Person Of The Year 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:42:00 +0000

PETA UK has named Morrissey as its Person of the Year 2011.

From PETA.org.uk: "A long-time champion of animal rights and vegetarianism, this year the Lancashire born singer – described by NME as “one of the most influential artists ever” – has once again been using the limelight to shine a light on the terrible suffering that animals endure on factory farms and inside abattoirs.

“During his European tour, Morrissey had information tables with animal rights literature manned by friendly PETA volunteers who chatted with concertgoers and distributed thousands of vegetarian/vegan starter kits. He and his band wore shirts with animal rights messages on stage and played PETA US’ “Meet Your Meat” video during the shows to educate the audiences about the reality of life for animals on factory farms. He even convinced a huge Belgian music festival to go meat-free on the day of his performance!

Glenn Dorsey Films TV Campaign For PETA

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

With winter quickly setting in across Missouri, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Glenn Dorsey is teaming up with PETA for a TV campaign that urges dog guardians to keep their canine family members indoors, especially during the winter months.

“Imagine being left out in the freezing cold without shelter and bedding for warmth or a friend to ease your loneliness,” says Dorsey in the TV spot, available here. “Be your dogs’ biggest defender—keep them indoors with you and give them the love and companionship they deserve.”

Dorsey also shot a video plea urging people to support PETA’s doghouse program, which provides shelter for “backyard dogs.” And in his exclusive PETA interview, Dorsey opens up about his costar for the campaign, his dog, Bugsy. “I love him,” he says. “I love to come home, and he’s there smiling with me. You know, it doesn’t matter if I had a bad day. … Bugs don’t care if we win or lose, he’s still gonna love me.” Dorsey also encourages everyone to be active with animals by taking them on long walks or by volunteering at the local animal shelter. “They need love, too, just like we do,” he says. “They’re with us through thick and thin, and it’s very important to protect them.”

Vote For Your Favorite Animal-Friendly Stars

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

peta2, PETA’s youth division, is giving teens the opportunity to vote for their favorite animal-friendly stars in its sixth annual Libby Awards (“Libby” is for “liberation”), which honor animal-friendly people and products.

Visitors to peta2.com can vote for their favorites in each category, and peta2 will choose the winners.

In the category of Top Animal-Friendly Celebrity, Glee star Lea Michele—who stood up for horses used to pull carriages in New York City—will face off against Jackass’s Steve-O, who protested outside the Edmonton Valley Zoo to call on zoo officials to allow Lucy (the ailing and lone elephant there) to retire to an elephant sanctuary; Victorious star Daniella Monet, who filmed an exclusive video for the peta2 Street Team promoting Hug a Vegetarian Day; and Cobra Starship’s Gabe Saporta, who fought to defend his title of peta2’s Sexiest Vegetarian on Twitter and Facebook, and who also starred in a peta2 anti-fur ad.

PETA Names Russell Simmons As 2011 Person Of The Year

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:15:00 +0000

PETA has announced Russell Simmons as its Person Of The Year 2011.

“The horrible abuse of animals is the worst karmic disaster in the history of human kind,” he said. “The work that PETA does to combat this catastrophe is amazing. I’m truly humbled to be chosen as this year’s Person of the Year but the praise should go to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that are on the ground doing the work. I accept this honor on their behalf.”

Vera Lynn Speaks Out Over Cruel Foie Gras

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Beloved by British troops for her outdoor concerts during World War II, Dame Vera Lynn now has a whole new flock of fans after penning a letter on behalf of PETA UK to Beverley Aspinall, managing director of Fortnum & Mason, asking her to stop the sale of the vile food product foie gras in the store.

In the letter, Dame Vera – who has long expressed her affinity for birds in lyrics such as those in the songs “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover” and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” – explains that foie gras production is so cruel that it’s banned in the UK.

“Britain has many things it can be proud of, and I consider our respect for the welfare of animals to be of them,” she wrote. "I was therefore most upset to learn that Fortnum & Mason stocks foie gras – a product so cruel that its production is not allowed in the UK, and yet you continue to import it from France. There is no way to produce foie gras humanely, and the force feeding process is universally condemned by veterinarians, scientists and animal welfare groups. For a department store with such a proud British heritage, it made me sad that you would wish to tarnish it by associating yourself with the force-feeding of animals.

PETA Honors Famous Vegetarians On Postage Stamps

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A number of famous vegetarians are featuring on a limited edition sheet of US postage stamps launched by PETA.

According to PETA.org: “The VIPs featured on these unique postage sheets ditched meat from their diets either out of concern for their health, for the environment, or for animals—and our world would not be the same without their accomplishments. Although the individuals featured in this series seem very different at first glance, they are united in their respect for animals.”

Twilight Saga Star Goes To The Dogs For Homeless Animals

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Booboo Stewart, known to many of his fans as Seth Clearwater, a four-legged member of the Twilight saga’s wolf pack, comes to the rescue once again—this time, for homeless animals.

In his brand-new “Adopt, Don’t Buy” ad for PETA, Booboo poses alongside his adopted dog, Pookie, to spread the word that “buying animals is killing animals” and to urge people always to adopt and never buy.

Lea Michele Writes To Mayor Bloomberg Over Horse Death

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Two days after another horse used in New York’s horse-drawn carriage industry collapsed and died in Midtown, Glee star and native New Yorker Lea Michele has written to Mayor Bloomberg to support the city council bill to replace dangerous and cruel horse-drawn carriages with modern, eco-friendly replicas of classic cars.

In the letter, Michele explains that the classic cars—a prototype of which was just unveiled by New Yorkers for Clean, Livable & Safe Streets (NYCLASS)—would bring in tourists, protect drivers’ jobs, and spare horses from pulling carriages in dangerous traffic and in all weather extremes.

“As a New York City native, I was saddened to learn from my friends at PETA that one of the horses used by the city’s carriage industry collapsed and died in Midtown on Sunday morning,” she wrote in the letter. "It was a tragic end for a beleaguered horse, and such incidents also put vehicles and passersby in danger.

Chrissie Hynde Says No To Circus Cruelty

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Ohio native Chrissie Hynde has fired off a letter on PETA’s behalf to Toledo Mayor Michael P. Bell, asking him to ensure that Ohio’s anti-cruelty code—which prohibits the use of any prods on animals in circuses—is enforced when Ringling Bros. circus will be in his jurisdiction during the circus’ stint at the Huntington Center from October 27 to October 30.

As the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer explains, Ringling routinely uses sharp metal bullhooks to poke, prod, and beat the elephants used in its shows into performing—even when the animals are ill and ailing. This is in direct violation of Ohio law.

“For decades, I’ve toured the world with The Pretenders, singing the praises of Ohio, and I’ve always returned to my home state a few times a year to remain an engaged citizen,” she wrote. "One thing that heartens me is the enormous interest in protecting animals in Ohio. That’s why I’m writing in advance of Ringling Bros.’ October 25th to 30th stint at Toledo’s Huntington Center to ask that you ensure that Ohio’s absolute ban on the use of prods to control animals used in circuses be enforced to prohibit Ringling’s use of bullhooks. The use of these sharp weapons on elephants, whose skin is so sensitive that they can feel flies biting them and then swat them away with their tails, is not only cruel but also unnecessary, as evidenced by the fact that more than half of accredited zoos in the United States do not use them.

Smallville Star Goes Naked For Charity

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

With her naked body painted to resemble a lizard’s skin, Canadian actor Laura Vandervoort—known for her roles on TV’s Smallville and V, among others—is the star of a brand-new PETA ad campaign exposing the cruelty of the exotic-skins industry that reads, “Whose skin are you in? Leave wildlife out of your wardrobe.”

The ad, shot by Nick Saglimbeni for SlickforceStudio, was revealed by Vandervoort in person during Toronto Fashion Week during the weekend.

Woody Harrelson's Letter Makes Army Stop Monkey Cruelty

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Following a letter from actor Woody Harrelson on PETA’s behalf to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno, the U.S. Army has confirmed that it will discontinue cruel monkey laboratories that were part of Aberdeen Proving Ground’s chemical casualty training courses.

For years, dozens of vervet monkeys were routinely injected with drug overdoses that caused them to convulse violently in order to crudely recreate the effects of a nerve agent. Aberdeen will now use sophisticated simulators for this course, which have been endorsed by civilian and military medical experts as superior training methods. Aberdeen was the only military facility still using animals for this training.

In his letter, Harrelson—whose many film credits include the upcoming Hunger Games and his Oscar-nominated performance as U.S. Army Captain Anthony Stone in the film The Messenger—urged Gen. Odierno to stop using monkeys in chemical warfare training exercises. Harrelson’s letter described how monkeys had to endure forced overdoses and “suffer the wretched symptoms of chemical poisoning, including seizures, breathing difficulties, loss of bowel control, and convulsions.”

Stars Go Dunking For Dogs At Charity Event

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

A host of celebrities – including David Duchovny, Larry King, Eric Roberts and Ed Begley Jr. – are among the guests invited to Dunking For Dogs, a special celebrity charity event in Hollywood this week.

What: Hot Hollywood club, celebrities galore, a red carpet, live musical performance by Days Of Our Lives star Patrick Muldoon ,a silent auction, and even a Dunk Tank – You can have a chance to dunk your favorite Hollywood star!

Where: Ecco Ultra Lounge 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd. cross streets Hollyvvood Blvd / Cahuenga. Valet Parking available. Dress Casual!

Charities Mourn The Passing Of Steve Jobs

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Several charities have issued statements regarding Apple founder Steve Jobs, who passed away this week.

The following is a statement in response to the death of Steve Jobs from Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Steve Jobs, his friends and colleagues, and the entire Apple community. He was an American icon and among the greatest visionaries of our time, taken too soon.

Angela Simmons Bares All For PETA

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Angela Simmons – co-founder of Pastry, designer and star of MTV’s Run’s House – unveiled a daring new advertisement for PETA at the Paramount Hotel in Manhatten last night.

“I really want people to know what happens to animals … Animals have feelings, and I think it’s important we take action,” Angela explains. Angela believes that God’s creatures deserve love and compassion and wants to raise awareness about the billions of cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals suffering on factory farms.

Bill Oddie Says No To Foie Gras

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:15:00 +0000

British celebrity Bill Oddie has fired off a scathing letter to Fortnum & Mason Managing Director Beverley Aspinall ridiculing Aspinall for trying to defend foie gras production by equating the force-feeding process with cormorants who swallow whole fish in the wild!

“I have reason to believe that you are well aware that the procedure of “fattening up” geese by force-feeding in order to accelerate the production of foie gras is banned in this and other European countries because it is considered extremely cruel," he wrote in the letter. "It is also totally and obviously unnatural. Which makes it doubly surprising – and shocking – to me that at a recent meeting with PETA you chose to argue your case by equating the physical experience of a goose being force-fed with that of a cormorant swallowing a fish. Catching and swallowing fish is what cormorants do. So do herons, kingfishers and various seabirds. What’s more, their throats and digestive systems allow them to consume surprisingly large prey that is not only still alive but also wiggling. This is entirely natural behaviour for cormorants and other fish-eating birds.

Bob Barker Petitions For Spay-And-Neuter Law

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:05:00 +0000

After hearing that the Obama administration is launching a new website called We the People that will allow users to create their own petitions, which, when achieving 5,000 supporters, will be submitted to the administration for review, spay-and-neuter guru Bob Barker has teamed up with PETA to petition for a mandatory spay-and-neuter law.

The law would apply to all animals adopted from shelters or bought from pet stores, puppy mills, and breeders until the nation’s overpopulation crisis has abated and all the homeless dogs and cats in the U.S. have homes to call their own.

Barker, who never signs an autographed picture without including a spay-and-neuter message, such as “Control the Overpopulation Problem: Spay and Neuter Your Dogs and Cats,” has recorded an audio message on PETA.org, encouraging people to sign PETA’s petition. With his help, PETA hopes to be the first to reach