JOIN BOARD OF ANIMAL ADVOCACY GROUP
SOCIAL COMPASSION IN LEGISLATION
JUNE 17, 2019 – Laguna Beach, CA –
Renowned actors and animal activists, Diane Keaton and Maggie Q, have joined the board of directors for Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), a leading political animal advocacy group creating and changing laws to support animal rights, protection, and welfare.
Keaton, whose acting career includes an Academy Award for
Annie Hall
and a Golden Globe for
Something’s Gotta Give
,
has been deeply involved in animal rescue for many years. Maggie Q, who has starred in films including the
Divergent
trilogy and
Mission: Impossible III
as well as TV’s
Designated Survivor
and
Nikita
, has been an animal rights activist, working on anti-fur campaigns and raising awareness of industries that use and abuse animals.
“People need to stand up for animals who cannot stand up for themselves,” said
Diane
Keaton, a legendary movie icon, producer, director and actor who has received four Academy Award nominations.
“Social Compassion in Legislation does the real work of pushing for change at the local, state and federal level, and I’m proud to be working with them on behalf of animals great and small.”
Since 2007, Social Compassion in Legislation has sponsored groundbreaking bills
to save and protect animals. This year alone, the Southern California-based organization has introduced a slate of bills that are winding their way through the California Legislature regarding topics ranging from outlawing the use of animals in circuses and banning fur trapping, to incentivizing plant-based lunch options for K-12 students and mandating microchipping for dogs and cats leaving animal shelters.
Past legislative successes have made it illegal to leave an animal in any unattended vehicle in extreme weather, banned puppy mills and other commercially bred cats and rabbits from pet stores, and prohibited sales of cosmetics and personal hygiene products in California that have been tested on animals. These bills are being replicated in states across the country.
"We must take a multifaceted approach in the fight to save and protect those who cannot protect themselves” said
Maggie Q, an actress, model, and animal activist known for her work in both television and film
. "Having worked with organizations in the field, I understand how invaluable the lever of government can be to those hands-on efforts. Social Compassion in Legislation transforms the public's passion and turns it into life-saving laws; tools needed by those on the ground. I'm proud to join the SCIL team and look forward to our continued work in Sacramento."
"High profile entertainment industry actors have a unique opportunity to use their voice to influence millions of people. The fact that these two compassionate superstars are joining our group to raise their voices further on behalf of animals will certainly enhance efforts both on the ground and in the halls of the Capitol," said
Judie Mancuso, Founder and CEO of Social Compassion in Legislation
. "I’m looking forward to working alongside Diane and Maggie to continue and grow support to save even more animals from suffering and save lives. We’re eager to see where we can go next.”
In addition to pushing the group’s legislative platform, SCIL is also working with the Governor’s Administration, legislators, Santa Anita Park, PETA and several other animal rights groups and stakeholders, to create meaningful change within the horseracing industry, an issue that has been raised this year due to the 29 thoroughbreds’ deaths at Santa Anita since Dec. 26.
“Our mission is very clear. We must do everything we can, in strategic, smart and bold ways, to make the greatest, most meaningful changes in laws and regulations,” said Mancuso. “From eliminating puppy mills to calling out industries that torture animals, our relentless fight for protections on behalf of animals is only strengthened with warriors like Diane Keaton and Maggie Q by our side. We are excited and grateful to have them on our Board.”
