Dr. Gary Michelson, Wayne Pacelle, and rock star animal advocate Geezer Butler were among awardees
By Barbara Burke
Special to The Malibu Time
“California is leading the way on animal protection,” Bobi Leonard and Paul Beirold said in an invitation asking locals to attend a Malibu sunset soiree on Oct. 5. “Join us to extend these policies across the nation and the world.”
They gathered on a warm Malibu evening to recognize many who have contributed greatly to animal advocacy and to learn more about the efforts of Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, a nonprofit animal welfare organization that promotes a humane economy.
“I’m grateful to Bibi Leonard for opening her beautiful home in Malibu and for helping to attract such a caring crowd focused on driving change for the better for animals,” Pacelle said. “We are working on so many fronts to combat cruelty to animals, whether it’s reducing animal testing, ending the era of factory farming, halting the trade in kangaroo skins for athletic shoes, shutting down animal fighting pits, or protecting mountain lions, wolves, and so many other wild animals who are being persecuted — we know that when we treat animals well, we make our society safer and more civil.”
Dr. Gary Michelson received the Erika Brunson Award, an honor named after the late West Hollywood interior designer, an animal advocacy and spay/neuter philanthropist who was famous for rounding up feral cats and getting them spayed or neutered.
“This will change the world!” Michelson stated as he explained a new injection that will render 95 percent of cats receiving the shot infertile. “That’s what a premium the universe has while placing value on protecting cats.”
The feline gene therapy shot targets hormones that prevent ovulation and can help keep cats from becoming pregnant without being spayed, Michelson explained as he referenced a 2023 article published in the journal Nature Communications stating that research and development testing efforts have demonstrated that a single dose of a female anti-Mullerian (AMH) transgene prevents ovulation and in cats long-term. While more studies need to be conductedbefore the therapy is ready for the clinic, scientists believe the injection could ultimately replace surgical sterilization, he noted.
As the awards ceremony continued, Leonard said, “I met a woman not long ago who is most extraordinary as she persevered for years to open her new animal rescue and adoption center in Agoura Hills.” Leonard was referring to Alison Eastwood, recipient of the organization’s Compassion in Action Award for opening her pet rescue and adoption center in Agoura Hills.
“Please come see our Ranch — We need volunteers and donations to continue our efforts,” Eastwood said as she accepted the award. “Please consider buying bricks to help fund our goals — what I’ve undertaken is a daunting task, but I have hope that we will succeed in advocating for animals because we here in California are known for our efforts and we can make a difference because we are progressive.”
Leonard also addressed “The fabulous set of legislators in California and beyond who advocate for animals.”
Elaborating, she said, “Congressman Ted Lieu has helped to pass laws that protect animals. He has done so much for our world and in support of the inalienable rights of animals that are still being violated — the world is the same for all us, humans and animals alike.”
Lieu, an active member of the Animal Protection Caucus, has long been a defender of animals through his political career. He has championed bills concerning everything from banning trophy hunting and ending dog testing. He also co-authored the Prohibiting Threatened and Endangered Creature Trophies (ProTECT) Act, which would prohibittaking endangered or threatened species into the United States as a trophy and he introduced the Bear Protection Act.
“How someone treats animals says a lot about them,” Lieu told The Malibu Times. “I believe that as humans we have a moral responsibility to treat animals with care and compassion — as a longtime animal lover, I am proud to use my position in Congress to advocate for the wellbeing of animals who cannot have a voice themselves.”
Other honorees included longtime Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, who received a Rock Star for Animals award. Butler and his spouse, Gloria Butler, are beloved in the animal advocacy community as they have tirelessly campaigned against animal exploitation and have spearheaded the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” effort.
Laurie McGrath, whose nonprofit foundation supports charitable organizations that are dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, was honored with the Skip Trimble Animal Protection Advocacy Award, which is in memory of the California attorney whom many refer to as the “godfather of animal law.”
Impressed by the tireless efforts of all the awardees, Malibuite Cindy Landon, who attended, commented, “I applaud Wayne Pacelle for his outstanding work and the committee for putting on this amazing event — It warms my heart and gives me great hope for the future of animal welfare.”