"Bizarro” comic strip artist Dan Piraro has built a loyal following for his cartoons on vegetarianism, captive animals and other animal issues. Dan generously created and donated our cover illustration and shared his thoughts on animals with PETA. Q Tell us about your companion animals. A My current dogs are Steve and Bruno. Bruno’s favorite activities are eating anything that casts a shadow and chasing tennis balls. Q You wrote a hilarious book, Bizarro Among the Savages, about touring the country and staying with fans. Did you have any notable experiences with animals? A There was a Chihuahua named Squeaky who spoke to me at length in the middle of the night. He belonged to an elderly woman by the name of Virginia in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Both he and Virginia made me promise not to reveal what he said. He has, however, appeared in many of my cartoons. Q Many of your comics depict birds in cages. Why is that? A My personal belief is that birds, of all creatures, should never be owned or caged. I don’t judge bird owners harshly or break into pet stores at night and set parakeets free, but I know I could never personally keep a bird caged or clip her wings. (I once clipped a coupon for $1 off an album by Paul McCartney and Wings, but that’s different.) Q You use your art to increase empathy for animals. What’s your advice to others? A My advice is to listen to your inner voice and get involved as you see fit. As one of the planet’s most intelligent and powerful species, we humans have an ethical obligation to refrain from abusing our power against other species.