HSUS Urges Moviegoers to See Charlotte’s Web

WASHINGTON – As Charlotte's Web opens in theaters nationwide today, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) urged moviegoers to see the inspiring film and take action to improve the welfare of farm animals. The film is based on E.B. White's beloved children's tale about an unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, and sends a message of compassion for all creatures.

"This is a touching and beautiful cinematic rendition of E.B. White's extraordinary book," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "It's a story of friendship, of broadening our definition of community, and of the power of words. It's also the story of the rescue of a pig who wants to live as much as we do. It's a movie for every parent and child to see."

The HSUS also expressed its thanks to the filmmakers for ensuring that all the animals used in the film were placed in loving homes and, like Wilbur, were spared from slaughter. The film is a production of The Kerner Entertainment Group and Nickelodeon Movies, presented by Paramount Pictures and Walden Media.

The HSUS has produced special Charlotte's Web electronic greeting cards, featuring the characters from the film and messages of "Happy Holidays" and "Moo-ey Christmas." The e-cards are available online at gateway.hsus.org/ecards.

A special video preview of the film featuring exclusive HSUS interviews with stars Dakota Fanning, Steve Buscemi, and Cedric the Entertainer, as well as executive producer Bernie Williams and animal trainer Larry Payne, is available online at http://tinyurl.com/ya96aw.

More information about the film is available at www.CharlottesWebMovie.com, more information about The HSUS's work to protect farm animals is available at www.hsus.org/farm, and more information about The HSUS's work with the entertainment industry is available at www.hsushollywood.org.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country.