As the nation is moved by the plight of pets and other animals stranded, abandoned, or lost due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Hollywood community is using its star power to shine a spotlight on the problem and on what people can do to help. This week, six of the entertainment industry's most prominent performers—all active friends of The Humane Society of the United States—created television and radio Public Service Announcements in support of The HSUS's animal rescue work in the Gulf.
The six spots feature actor/director Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), political humorist Bill Maher (Real Time with Bill Maher), film and television actress Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me), film and television actor Joe Mantegna (Joan of Arcadia), singer Carrie Underwood ("American Idol"), and actress and singer Persia White (Girlfriends).
Each announcement is different, but all emphasize The HSUS's race-against-the-clock efforts in the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf states of Louisiana and Mississippi to find, retrieve, and shelter animals relinquished or abandoned by desperate evacuees, and to reunite pets with their families.
As Wendie Malick says, "The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina is enormous. Everyone is suffering—people and animals." The celebrities give the audience information on how they can help, and how to prepare for your pets in case disaster strikes.
The announcements are being offered to radio and television stations around the country upon request, and are also available to view by clicking on each name:
Gretchen Wyler, Vice President of The HSUS's Hollywood Office, worked with the celebrities to film the Public Service Announcements quickly in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"The outpouring of support from the Hollywood community was just incredible," she said. "Stars are always there to use their voices for these important causes, and we're grateful that they wanted to help both the human and animal survivors of Katrina. For people who have lost nearly everything, just knowing that their pet is safe can be such a comfort."
And it's not just stars in the U.S. who are using their voices to help Katrina's four-legged victims. French actress Brigitte Bardot sent an open letter to President George W. Bush on Friday, asking him to intervene in the situation.
"It is an intolerable situation," Bardot wrote, "wrenching for the displaced human victims and cruel for the animals abandoned to a slow but certain death in the situation."
"We heard from so many others who wanted to participate but couldn't because they were currently filming or out of the country," added Wyler. "James Cromwell called from Poland, Alicia Silverstone called from the United Kingdom, Pierce Brosnan called from Hawaii, and we also heard from Amy Smart, Betty White, Ed Asner, Melissa Rivers, and Elizabeth Berkeley offering to lend their support. We thank our good friends in the entertainment community for always being there for the animals in their time of need."
