People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has named American actor Bradley Cooper as the first-ever recipient of its Compassion in Film Award after Cooper cast his dog Charlie in “A Star is Born.”
According to a press release by PETA on Thursday, the organization praised the actor for using his own pet, “rather than using a dog supplied by one of Hollywood’s notorious animal exhibitors.”
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While PETA’s senior VP Lisa Lange said, “Bradley Cooper’s happy, adorable, and much-loved dog steals the spotlight — and viewers’ hearts — in this film because it’s clear that he loved being with his real-life dad.”
“PETA has witnessed so much abuse and neglect of dogs, both on and off set, that we’re hoping Cooper’s kind decision sets a precedent for all of Hollywood to follow,” Lange added.
Further, PETA went on to highlight past instances of on-set animal abuse, including on 2017’s “A Dog’s Purpose,” where a visibly fearful dog was filmed being forced into a pool of water.