Kevin McHale Wants You to Add 'Glee' to a Homeless Dog's Life

Actor and Musician Promotes Adoptions From Animal Shelters in New PETA Campaign

For Immediate Release:
September 6, 2012 

Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382

Los Angeles -- With Glee headed into its fourth season, Kevin McHale is encouraging everyone to root for the underdog—that is, for dogs (and cats) awaiting homes in animal shelters. In a brand-new PETA ad, McHale—known to fans as Artie on FOX's hit series—appears hugging his rescued dog, Sophie, next to the words "Adopt, Don't Buy." The ad goes on to encourage people to "be part of the solution to animal overpopulation and save a life by adopting from your local shelter." The campaign was shot by top celebrity photographer Jack Guy.

McHale's campaign also includes photos of the former boy-bander cuddling with Sophie in the studio and playing with her on the beach as well as an exclusive PETA interview in which he opens up about adding her to his life. "I fostered her for a week to see how she worked on the Glee set, and she worked out great," he says. "A few months later, she's still mine."

McHale also stresses the importance of spaying and neutering and reveals that fellow Glee stars—and PETA spokespeople—Lea Michele and Jane Lynch may have inspired his PETA campaign. As McHale explains, "All my friends and all the crew members of Glee—they're the biggest advocates of dog adoption, so it was kind of a no-brainer to do it."

Not all homeless animals are as lucky as Sophie: Approximately 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and half of them must be euthanized simply because there aren't enough good homes for them. The less fortunate never even make it to a safe haven—they are left to fend for themselves on the streets, where they are often subjected to abuse by cruel people or succumb to starvation, disease, or injuries. Buying an animal from a pet store or a breeder robs a homeless animal of a chance at finding a good home.

McHale joins a long list of celebrities—including Pink, Justin Bieber, Ryan Gosling, Ke$ha, Kellan Lutz, and Olivia Munn—who have teamed up with PETA to promote kindness to animals.

Broadcast-quality video footage of Kevin McHale's PETA interview is available for download here. For more information, please visit PETA.org .