Round of Applause Rapper Shows Off His Softer Side in Ad Speaking Out Against Animal Abuse and Neglect
For Immediate
Release:
March 6, 2012
Contact:
Wendy
Wegner 202-483-7382
Atlanta -- Holding a rescued mixed-breed dog from the Atlanta Humane Society in his tattooed arms, Brick Squad Monopoly recording artist Waka Flocka Flame appears in a brand-new PETA campaign ad that reads, "Only Cowards Abuse Animals." Shot by top celebrity photographer Drexina Nelson, the ad goes on to challenge the "bullies" who hurt dogs and cats and urges, "Please, always speak up if you see or suspect cruelty to animals, including chaining, fighting, or abuse of any kind. Their lives may depend on it."
Waka also sat down for an exclusive PETA interview in which he calls out animal abusers for hurting the defenseless. "The animal ain't gonna curse you out, the animal ain't gonna fight you," he says. "They can't talk, they ain't got arms like you, they ain't got the strength you got to beat on them. … It's like beating on a baby." Waka concludes, "Just pick on somebody your own size."
Dogs left to fend for themselves at the end of a chain often go without food or shelter and are totally vulnerable to other animals and cruel people. As a result, they often become aggressive and attack children or other people who approach them. Dog chaining is restricted or illegal in many states, and dogfighting—in which animals are starved, beaten, and forced to rip one another to shreds—is a felony offense in all 50 states.
Waka's second studio album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family, will drop this spring. He is part of a long list of musicians—including Pink, Kid Sister, Mark Ronson, Chester Bennington, Travie McCoy, Dave Navarro, Chuck D, Masta Killa, Murs, and Sean Kingston, among many others—who have teamed up with PETA to fight animal abuse.