5 Caring Celebrities That Support Animal Protection Initiatives

In the world of entertainment today, celebrities are not just looked at as people on the red carpet or acting in the latest big blockbuster movie. Celebrities these days are more influential on their fans than ever before, not only for personal inspiration and justification, but to follow their lead on ways to make the world better for the animals we share our Earth with. On that note, let’s take a look at some compassionate celebrities supporting Animal rights and companion pet well-being:

1. Kristen Bell

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How you know her: Played main character Veronica in “Veronica Mars,” is Jeannie Van Der Hooven on “House of Lies,” voiced Anna in “Frozen,” and was voted PETA’s “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian” for 2006.

The animal organizations and charities she supports: Kristen is a big lover of sloths and an advocate for animal shelters and foster animals. As a supporter of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., she has been honored with the Center’s Humane Award due to her extraordinary efforts to help animals and continues to be an advocate for animal welfare. She also often attends fundraisers for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and has supported charities such as Farm Sanctuary, PETA, and the Humane Society.

2. Emmylou Harris

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How you know her: American singer and songwriter, country music legend, and Grammy award winner.

The animal organizations and charities she supports: Emmylou established a non-profit organization called Bonaparte’s Retreat Dog Rescue in 2004 which is named after her beloved adopted shelter dog and companion, Bonaparte. The mission of her rescue is to provide care for adoptable dogs when a shelter can no longer house them, thus preventing them from being euthanized and being able to find forever homes. She is also known as a huge supporter of PETA  and the Best Friends Animal Society.

3. Howard Stern & Beth Ostrosky

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How you know them: Howard’s an actor, host, and author and is best known for his radio show, “The Howard Stern Show.” Beth’s an American model and actress and is the wife of Howard Stern.

The animal organization they Support: Both Howard and Beth are celebrity spokespersons for the North Shore Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization! The League works hard in their pursuit to create a world where all companion animals find permanent homes and to end euthanasia.

4. Hayden Panettiere

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How you know her: Played Claire Bennet in “Heroes,” starred in “I Love You, Beth Cooper,” and plays Juliette Barnes in the T.V. show, “Nashville.”

The animal organizations and charities she supports: Hayden is an animals rights activist who is helping to end the slaughter of dolphins, whales, and seals. Because she is very active in promoting marine wildlife preservation campaigns, she has started her own online fundraiser called “Panettiere’s Closet” that raises funds to benefit Save the Whales Again. She is the International Spokesperson for The Whaleman Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about the importance of saving our oceans, bringing whales and mankind together to preserve and protect the world. Also a supporter of The Humane Society, K9 Connection, and The Orca Network.

5. Paul McCartney

How you know him: English musician, singer and songwriter, and was a member of the British band, The Beatles.

The animal organizations and charities he supports: Paul became vegetarian while married to his (late) wife Linda and since then has been passionate about spreading the word about the benefits of adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. He teamed up with PETA, an organization that he supports, to make and narrate a powerful documentary about factory farming titled “Glass Walls.” Other charities and foundations supported by Paul include Cruelty-Free International, Animal Defenders International, and the Society for Animal Protective Legislation.

Image source: Tabercil / Flickr