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PETA Statement on the Passing of Loretta Swit

For Immediate Release:
May 30, 2025

Contact:
Allyson Spellman 202-483-7382

Please see the following statement from PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange on the death of Emmy Award-winning actor and dedicated animal advocate Loretta Jane Swit:

While Loretta Swit may have been known to most as Major Margaret Houlihan, she was known to PETA as a major champion for all animals. A longtime vegan, she reminded everyone that “animals are my friends, not my food,” and at every turn, she encouraged people to spay, neuter, and adopt animals in need. The world has lost a kind soul and animals a true friend, and PETA will always treasure her legacy of compassion.

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.

For Media: Contact PETA’s Media Response Team.
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“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?”

— Ingrid Newkirk, PETA Founder and co-author of Animalkind

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