Teen pop star encourages animal adoption

Monday, May 9, 2011

MANILA — International singing sensation Justin Bieber called on the public to adopt animals from shelters, the People for Ethical Treatment for Animals (Peta) said.

"I really encourage going out to an animal shelter or a place where you can get a dog that has been abandoned or doesn't have a home,” Bieber said, whose global concert tour hits Manila on Tuesday.

Buying an animal from a pet store or a breeder robs a homeless animal of his or her chance at finding a good home, Peta said.

“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,” the group added.

Bieber's numerous awards include the American Music Awards' Artist of the Year, and he recently released an acoustic version of his breakthrough album called My World Acoustic.

He joins a growing list of celebrities, including Lea Michele, Kellan Lutz, Yasmien Kurdi, Pink, Maggie Q, Borgy Manotoc, who have teamed up with Peta to help animals. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)