Brian May Is the Champion: Musician Named PETA UK’s Person of the Year
Brian May is a man of many talents, from playing guitar in Queen to getting a PhD in astrophysics. But this year, his gift for helping animals took the spotlight as he became an outspoken opponent of the British government’s plans to kill tens of thousands of badgers.
A badger “is a wonderful, sentient being”, Brian told the world, spreading the message on TV and the radio, in newspapers and on social media as part of “Team Badger”, a coalition of groups opposed to the ill-advised cull. His passion and commitment impressed us so much that we’ve made him PETA UK’s 2012 Person of the Year, adding his name to a list of previous winners that includes Pamela Anderson, Sir Roger Moore and Morrissey.
Brian’s defence of badgers is just the latest example of his kindness to animals. He has his own animal rights group, Save Me, which opposes other cruel practices such as fox hunting, while his estate in Surrey is home to a wildlife sanctuary that cares for injured badgers, hedgehogs and owls.
In fact, Brian has even said that he wants compassion to be his legacy: “when I’m gone, people will no doubt remember me for Queen, but I would much rather be remembered for attempting to change the way we treat our fellow creatures”.
Britain’s badgers are certainly lucky to have Brian fighting in their corner, and we know that his determination and commitment will be an inspiration to kind people everywhere. So congratulations, Brian – and keep up the good work!
