PETA, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, has named political consultant and Republican strategist Mary Matalin its Person of the Year for 2016.
"PETA recognizes and thanks Mary Matalin for promoting the elimination of archaic live-animal tissue training from U.S. military exercises; helping to persuade the National Institutes of Health to end experiments on baby monkeys; supporting the adoption of homeless animals; and tirelessly encouraging lawmakers to vote against 'ag-gag' bills, which have so far been defeated in 11 states," the organization's statement read.
"Ag-gag" laws would ban recording at slaughterhouses and factory farms. Keeping recording legal allows whistleblowers and investigators to document "systemic problems" as well as abuse of animals, Matalin said in a video.
"We have long counted on Mary Matalin to speak out against cruel policies that waste taxpayer dollars, harm animals, and cost them their lives," PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk said. "PETA is recognizing Mary Matalin for setting a tremendous example of compassion for all Americans to follow."
Previous winners of PETA's Person of the Year award include: Pope Francis, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Russell Simmons, and Angelica Huston.
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