Animals Have Lost a True Champion in Carla Lane

Britain has woken up to the sad news that Carla Lane has died. The television writer was best known for her work on programmes including Bread, Butterflies and The Liver Birds but we’ll remember her most fondly as a powerful advocate for animals and a PETA supporter from the start.

When PETA first launched in the UK, founder Ingrid Newkirk remembers being introduced to Carla through mutual friend Linda McCartney. Chatting in Carla’s kitchen over tea while Linda strummed a guitar, the three discussed plans to bring animal rights to the fore in the UK.

Animals could always count on Carla’s support. Whether it was providing rescued animals with a home at her sanctuary which had a policy of never turning an animal away, or being a high profile advocate on their behalf in the media, speaking out against the horrors of vivisection, live export, abuse in the entertainment industry and other cruelty. She also promoted vegetarian eating.

It was a privilege to know Carla, and we hope that fans will honour her memory by continuing her legacy of being kind to animals.