Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Person of the Year’ for PETA

Norfolk, December 20: Oprah Winfrey, who features in the lists of world’s most influential, impressive and not to mention ‘the rich’ lists, has been bestowed with yet another honor: animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has named her its ‘Person of the Year.’

Winfrey has used her "powerful voice to defend those without one," said PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk on Friday.

PETA will present her with a plaque and a letter of appreciation -- like when your kid gives you a "World's Greatest Mom" t-shirt.

Winfrey used her famous talk show to throw some light on important concerns of the Norfolk, Virginia-based animal rights group. She dedicated episodes to puppy mills and the treatment of chickens and other animals in factory farms.

Back in April she set aside an entire episode of her show to her late cocker spaniel Sophie, who died at age 13.

The philanthropist, who uses her fame and well-heard voice to speak for the less fortunate also restricted herself to vegan diet for 21 days.

Winfrey was not available for comment and her Chicago-based Harpo Productions said the talk show host is on a hiatus.

With two million members PETA is the largest animal rights group in the world and has the support of many famous personalities. Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford are among the may celebrities who have supported there cause.

Supermodels have campaigned naked for PETA’s battle against fur coats.

The organization focuses issues like factory farming, animal testing, use of animals in entertainment, fishing, the killing of animals regarded as pests, abuse of chained, and the consumption of meat.

“Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment," goes the famous PETA slogan.

PETA calls for the use of human hair instead of animal hair in weaves and wigs and had recently proposed the use of human breast-milk in ice-creams.

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia and the founders of the San Francisco-based cleaning product company Method have been the previous winners of the PETA award.