13-year-old vegan activist Genesis Butler has been named PETA’s Young Animal Activist of the Year for her animal advocacy.

PETA held its 14^th annual Libby Awards to recognize individuals that are most influential on the animal rights scene.  “Libby” is short for “liberation”, pertaining to liberation of animals.

Genesis Butler barely 13 years of age is a young animal rights advocate and beat three contenders to bag the 2019 Young Animal Activist of the Year award for 2019.

The former Cutest Vegan Kid has inspired countless people since her first TEDx Talk at the age of 10 on her vision for healing the planet and calling out the meat and dairy industries for their role in the global climate crisis.

Her campaigning for animals has seen her give talks across the U.S. and Canada.

Last year she even campaigned for Million Dollar Vegan urging Pope Francis to ditch animal products for Lent in exchange for a $1 million donation to a charity of his choice.

Currently, she is busy in getting her own comic book for the upcoming Marvel’s Hero Project series, a documentary highlighting the positive impact young heroes “are making in their own communities across the country.”

“Whether she’s talking to the pope or to kids just like her, Genesis never misses an opportunity to encourage people to show compassion for animals,” said PETA Senior Director of Youth Programs Marta Holmberg in a statement.

“PETA is recognizing her for being a superhero for animals every day and inspiring others to do the same.”

Awards

Butler has received several awards for her activism, including PETA Kids’ Cutest Vegan Kid, Sir Paul McCartney Young Veg Advocate award, PETA’s Youth Activist of the Year, and the Lisa Shapiro Youth Activist award.

The other winners for the year 2019 in different categories included: Billie Eilish (Best Voice for Animals), Millie Bobby Brown (Best Side Hustle for Animals), and Greta Thunberg (Youth Role Model of the Year).

In a separate awards event, PETA honoured Joaquin Phoenix with the ‘Person of the Year’ award.

“Joaquin Phoenix never misses an opportunity to turn the spotlight away from himself and onto animals’ plight and to set a great example of walking the vegan walk,” said PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk in a statement.

• Read: So-called elephant ‘sanctuary’ blasted for abusing animals with bullhooks to force them to perform

How influential is Genesis Butler’s activism? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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