Humane Hollywood: Stars Who Shine for Animal's Rights

Celebrities naturally receive a lot of coverage for all the bad things they do--the sudden marriages followed by speedy and messy divorces, the drunk driving, the affairs, the assaults, the drug use, the stupid comments made in front of the public. News stories about all the bad and stupid stuff sell well, and therefore little is heard about the good things some celebrities do. A column here and there about 'so and so celebrity who is starting a fund for animals may show up, but rarely do such stories make the front page headlines.

I believe that the positive things people do should be acknowledged; therefore, this article is a tribute to many of the famous people who are using their presence, voice, and money to benefit animals. The names mentioned here are only a very few of many who support animal welfare in the United States.

The following are three prominent celebrities who have made a positive difference in the lives of many animals.

Doris Day, whose film career began in 1948 and whose co-stars have included Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, Frank Sinatra, and Clark Gable, founded The Doris Day Animal Foundation in 1978. The foundation started the first Spay Day USA in an effort to help provide free or lower cost spay and neuter across the nation.

Bob Barker, best known as the Host of The Price Is Right, has been a proponent of animals rights for many years. He is retiring from The Price Is Right in June 2007 and plans to devote much of his time to the foundation he set up in 1994--DJ & T Foundation --a foundation that gives grants to low cost or free spay and neuter clinics. Bob Barker has also been actively exposing the cruelty inflicted upon circus elephants.

Betty White, formerly on of the Golden Girls, has always loved animals and is known for her work with many charities including Morris Animal Foundation, a foundation that funds studies related to animal health, and the SPCA of Los Angeles.

The following are other celebrities who actively support animal charities. This list is only a sample of the many celebrities who support animal rights and charities.

The singer Sarah McLachlan is a proud supporter and a current spokesperson for the ASPCA.

Drew Barrymore also supports the ASPCA.

Numerous celebrities have shown support for the Humane Society, including, but not limited to:

Robin Williams, who supported the Dolphin Safe Tuna campaign, Dixie Carter for Fur Free, Sarah Gilbert, Whoopi Goldberg, and Montel Williams, to name just a few.

Charlize Theron and Jessica Biel support Best Friends Animal Society.

Most names that were excluded from this list were only excluded for brevity's sake. There are many more celebrities who donate money and spare time to help animals.

In a world full of bad news, it is nice to remember the positive things sometimes.