Mewgenics’ Unapologetic Cat Defender Tracy Nabs Hero to Animals Award from PETA
For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2026
Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382
She’s not the only person in the world who gives “a damn about animals”—but she is the ferocious feline defender Boon County needs! A Hero to Animals Award is on its way from PETA to Tracy Newkirk, the no-nonsense P-Mart clerk in Mewgenics, for her rogue-like advocacy for cats and her unwavering commitment to challenging speciesism—a human-supremacist attitude that slights, insults, and denigrates animals.
Turning nearly every interaction into a “hold up, let her cook” moment, the outspoken vegan refuses to stay silent when she sees cats being treated as commodities. Boldly declaring that her mission is to “educate the ignorant,” Tracy makes clear that she prefers the term “animal companion” to “pet”—a reductive term she says is reflective of a “bigoted speciesist agenda”—and stands firm in her belief that “all animals should have the same rights as us.”
“The world needs more people like Tracy Newkirk, who isn’t afraid to challenge outdated speciesist notions and demand respect and consideration for animals,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk (no relation). “PETA is delighted to honor this passionate animal advocate for reminding everyone that animals are not ours to exploit.”
“Whether she’s promoting respectful language or calling out breeders who treat cats as mere inventory, Tracy Newkirk seizes every opportunity to remind people that animals are someone, not something,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman, (also no relation). “PETA salutes Tracy for her fearless dedication to promoting a kinder world for animals and encourages everyone to take a leaf out of her book.”
PETA—and Tracy, probably—point out that tinkering with real cats’ and dogs’ genetics to produce specific traits can bring all stats down, often leading to severe afflictions and shortened lives. And to correct Dr. Beanies, breeding an army of cats won’t reverse time—but it will exacerbate the homeless companion animal crisis at a time when animal shelters nationwide are overflowing with cats and dogs in need of a loving home. That’s why PETA urges everyone to adopt their next team member and to always have animal companions spayed or neutered—one of the easiest ways to buff their statsand help them live longer, happier lives.
Mewgenics developer Edmund McMillan will receive a framed certificate in Tracy’s honor.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
