Once Again, Ron Artest Is The Voice Of Reason

When your organization needs a well-known and well-respected community member to speak up on behalf of your cause, you definitely want to go with the guy who is famous for his dangerous instability.

Double bonus points for picking that guy to defend the rights of animals that are famous for their dangerous instability. Yes, yes—pit bulls get a bad rap, as does Ron Artest, but are people really going to listen to "that insane NBA guy" when he tells them to neuter their dogs?

On the other hand, it's kind of genius. It's like—if Ron Artest thinks you're crazy for not controlling your pets, then guess what? You're crazy.

When Ron Artest isn't sticking it to his opponents on the basketball court, he's sticking up for animals. That's why the Houston Rockets forward teamed up with us and the Houston Humane Society to star in an ad urging people to get their dogs "fixed."

"These animals are literally dying for a good home," says Artest, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2003-2004 season. "Millions of dogs and cats in shelters across the country are euthanized every year because there simply aren't enough good homes for them. Spaying and neutering your [animal companion] will help control the overpopulation problem."

Artest added, "Oh, and if you see a pit bull lying on the street, definitely don't throw a souvenir cup at it."

Basketball Star Ron Artest Unveils New PETA Ad [PETA]