Actor Stars in PETA Video Urging Viewers to Report the Abuse of Animals
For Immediate Release:
November 1, 2012
Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382
Los Angeles -- His character on the upcoming season of American Horror Story may relish violence, but in real life, James Cromwell is committed to ending it. That's why the Oscar nominee has teamed up with PETA for a new video public service announcement that warns everyone to look out for people who hurt animals—before they move on to hurting other humans.
"People who commit violent acts often start out by hurting animals," explains Cromwell in the video. "If you know of someone who's abusing or neglecting an animal, don't ignore it or just assume that someone else will do something. Call the police or animal control. And if you have kids or grandkids, please talk to them about the importance of being kind to animals. That conversation might save a life. Let's stop the cycle of violence before it begins."
Studies have shown that violent and aggressive criminals are more likely to have abused animals as children than criminals who are considered non-aggressive. Many notorious killers—including "The Boston Strangler," Jeffrey Dahmer, and the Columbine High School students who shot and killed their classmates—killed or mutilated animals well before they directed violence against humans. Because abusers target the powerless, crimes against animals, spouses, children, and the elderly often go hand in hand. An abuser may even harm or threaten to harm an animal as a way of emotionally terrorizing a family member.
Known for his acclaimed roles in Babe, The Green Mile, The Artist, and Six Feet Under, among many others, Cromwell debuted as Dr. Arden on American Horror Story: Asylum on October 17.
Cromwell is part of a long list of celebrities—including American Horror Story costar Jenna Dewan as well as Edie Falco, Lea Michele, Cloris Leachman, Joaquin Phoenix, and many more—who have teamed up with PETA to promote kindness to animals.
A broadcast-quality version of Cromwell's PSA can be downloaded here. For more information, please visit PETA.org.