On honoring Sir Roger with the award, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk told news reporters: “Animals in dire need had a caring, charming friend in Sir Roger Moore. PETA is honored to recognize this wonderful man for sticking his neck out for the vulnerable amongst us time and again.”
In recent years, the British actor backed a successful campaign to have foie gras removed from sale in London’s Selfridges department store, and called on British army officials to use fake fur for their traditional bearskin caps.
Praising Sir Roger’s commitment to helping animals, PETA’s Director of International Programs Mimi Bekhechi, said: “Animals have lost a dear friend with the passing of Sir Roger Moore. The long-time PETA supporter may have been best known for his suave portrayal of James Bond, but we believe some of his greatest achievements were his efforts on behalf of animals.”
Before his death earlier this year Moore also penned a letter to British Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. In his letter he wrote that “allowing such cruelty is unforgivable” and that he would join Theresa for a glass of champagne when the practice was outlawed.