Star Forward Poses for PETA and the Houston Humane Society, Says That Getting Animals 'Fixed' Is a Slam Dunk

For Immediate Release:
February 18, 2009

Contact:
Michael McGraw 757-622-7382  

Houston -- When Ron Artest isn't sticking it to his opponents on the basketball court, he's sticking up for animals. That's why the Houston Rockets forward teamed up with his pals at PETA and the Houston Humane Society to star in an ad urging people to get their dogs "fixed." In the ad, Artest is standing on a basketball court with his canine pal John Henry at his side and next to the tagline "It's a Slam Dunk: Spay or Neuter Your Dog." Artest will unveil the ad at the Houston Humane Society on Thursday, February 19, in honor of national Spay Day.

When:    Thursday, February 19, 2 p.m.
Where:   Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Rd., Houston

"These animals are literally dying for a good home," says Artest, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2003-2004 season. "Millions of dogs and cats in shelters across the country are euthanized every year because there simply aren't enough good homes for them. Spaying and neutering your [animal companion] will help control the overpopulation problem."

Broadcast-quality footage of Artest's PETA video--in which he talks about the importance of spaying and neutering and the cruelty of dogfighting--is available.

For more information, please visit PETA.org and HoustonHumane.org.