Vegan actor James Cromwell was recently arrested for protesting against animal testing in Texas.

The ‘Babe’ actor was pictured taking part in a demonstration at Texas A&M University organised by PETA.

The group targeted a University Board of Regents meeting, and Cromwell joined the fight to stop the establishment from using dogs for medical research. 

The activists called for the laboratory which carries out the animal tests to be shut down

Cromwell, 79, said in a statement: “Texas A&M continues to torment golden retrievers and other dogs, even though decades of these experiments have not led to a cure for humans with muscular dystrophy. It’s time to let the dogs out, and my friends at PETA and I want them released to good homes where they can live out the rest of their lives in peace.”

A recent study by BTBX concluded that Texas A&M has stopped breeding dogs for muscular dystrophy, but activists are still not satisfied at the research found that dogs are still used for testing. 

“Human clinical trials in DMD patients, based in part on studies in dogs, currently are underway..dogs [are] a good comparison when researching better health for people,” the University writes.

Activist

Cromwell is regularly involved in animal rights protests. Last year he stormed into the Utah State Capitol building holding a dead piglet in a protest against animal cruelty.

The actor was joined by 200 Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) activists to demand action from the governor and attorney general in response to alleged animal cruelty at Smithfield’s Circle Four Farms in Milford, Utah.

Cromwell, who turned vegan in 1995 after starring in the film Babe, held a dead piglet allegedly recovered from the farm by anonymous whistleblowers.

In a statement sent to Totally Vegan Buzz, he said: “It’s a question of heart. Do you have the heart and compassion to see this creature as something viable in this world? Like any other sentient being?

“Because if we don’t deal with this appropriately, we’re not going to deal with each other appropriately.”

• Read: Slaughterhouse protesters can now face 5 years in jail

What do you think of James Cromwell’s efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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