5. Peter Dinklage
You know and love him as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, but did you know Peter Dinklage is fighting even bigger battles in the real world standing up for animal rights? Dinklage, a longtime vegetarian, has been a national sponsor for Farm Sanctuary’s annual Walk for Animals and supports Cruelty Free International, which aims to end animal testing in the cosmetics industry.
“I like animals – all animals. I wouldn’t hurt a cat or a dog, or a chicken or a cow. And I wouldn’t ask someone else to hurt them for me. That’s why I’m a vegetarian.”
4. Charlotte Ross
Awarded the Animal Advocate of the Year award from the Humane Society for her work advocating for laboratory chimpanzees, Charlotte Ross is a hottie with heart. She has also been a spokesperson for Operation Blankets of Love, which provides blankets, crates, and other necessary items to rescues and shelters in need, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which fights for enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and animal welfare legislature.
“I always dreamed I’d become famous, so one day I could bring attention to the mistreatment of animals. Luckily, my career has moved forward, and I’ve jumped at the chance to be involved with these causes.”
– Why Shelter Dogs are Awesome
3. Ian Somerhalder
With over 5 million Twitter followers and 3 million Instagram followers, whether testifying for a ban on the sale of ivory in DC, breaking hearts at Comic-Con, or exploring partnerships with great organizations like Heifer International, Ian Somerhalder is a social media force to be reckoned with. His Foundation, which focuses on animal welfare, the environment, and clean energy solutions, was created in 2010 out of Ian’s reaction to the Gulf oil spill disaster, and a strong belief in the interconnectivity of all living things and their environment.
2. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres is a powerful voice for animals. She leverages her massive television and Twitter presence to educate people about animal welfare and charitable giving with kindness and humor. Halo, the holistic pet food company she co-owns, is known for generous donations of pet food to shelters nationally.
1. Ricky Gervais
With 5.87 million Twitter followers and 2.1 million Facebook fans, when Ricky Gervais speaks, people hear it!
“I probably do no more than anyone else on Twitter, but I can get my message to an awful lot of people at once. And if you’re passionate about something that has touched your heart, chances are it will touch many other people’s hearts in the same way.”
– Talking Charity with Ricky Gervais
PETA’s 2013 Person of the Year is a hilarious and outspoken voice for animal rights. From poking fun at big game hunters to adopting a Moon Bear from a Chinese bear bile farm, Ricky Gervais puts his time and money (and mouth) where his heart is.
