Justin Bieber’s recent hit single “U Smile” not only has his legions of fans smiling but also has homeless dogs wagging their tails and homeless cats purring. That’s because the pop music phenomenon – who has just been nominated in the Best International Newcomer category at this year’s BRIT Awards – recently appeared in a public service announcement for PETA and its affiliates promoting adoptions from animal shelters. The ad was shot by renowned celebrity photographer Cliff Watts.
“It’s really important that people adopt“, said Bieber. “I really encourage going out to an animal shelter or a place where you can get a dog who has been abandoned or doesn’t have a home.”Every year, thousands of homeless dogs in the UK are picked up by council authorities and euthanised for lack of adoptive homes. Buying an animal from a breeder robs a homeless animal of his or her chance at finding a good home. The less fortunate never even make it to a safe haven; they are left to fend for themselves on the streets, where they are often subjected to abuse by cruel people or succumb to starvation, disease or injuries.
Bieber will be singing to sold-out stadiums in March when he kicks off the UK leg of his world tour in Birmingham. He joins a growing list of celebrities – including Sir Paul McCartney, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Ricky Gervais – who have teamed up with PETA to help animals.