Ellen DeGeneres recognised for animal rights work
Ellen DeGeneres is to receive an award for her work campaigning for animal rights.
The talk show host will accept the PETCO Foundation's HOPE Award - which is given to public figures who promote the bond between humans and the animal kingdom - at a ceremony in San Diego, California, on April 30.
In a statement the funnywoman said she hoped her activities would inspire others and praised the foundation for its work.
Ellen said: ''I wish we lived in a world where caring for animals wasn't so rare that it deserved an award. All I do is treat animals with the respect and dignity they deserve. I hope someday soon, everyone does the same.
''PETCO and the PETCO Foundation have made great efforts to protect animals and I commend them for going above and beyond the call of duty.''
The star co-owns Halo Pet Food, a line of natural foods for animals, which is partnered with non-profit companies such as The Humane Society of the United States to donate a million pet meals to 100 shelters in America.
In 2009, Ellen was named Woman Of The Year by People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for her work in raising awareness of their campaigns.
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