Bradley Cooper has been honoured by PETA for casting his own dog in ‘A Star Is Born’.
The 43-year-old actor-and-director cast his pet Charlie as the canine companion to his character Jackson Maine in the new movie and the animal rights organisation have given him the Compassion in Film Award in recognition of his decision not to use a pooch from one of Hollywood’s animal exhibitors.
PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said: "Bradley Cooper’s happy, adorable, and much-loved dog steals the spotlight — and viewers’ hearts — in this film because it’s clear that he loved being with his real-life ‘dad’.
"PETA has witnessed so much abuse and neglect of dogs, both on and off set, that we’re hoping Cooper’s kind decision sets a precedent for all Hollywood to follow."
Bradley – who has 18-month-old daughter Lea with girlfriend Irina Shayk – recently insisted there was no "nepotism" involved when he cast Charlie in the movie as the pet his character shares with Lady Gaga’s Ally.
He said: "There was no nepotism — I wanted this relationship with the dog.
"[Jackson and Ally] don’t have a child together but they have a dog together, and I wanted it to be part of their story. I love dogs.
"That meant a lot for him to be in the film."
But the Oscar-winning star seemed to be regretting his decision as he joked the attention has gone to Charlie’s head.
Speaking about the pooch – who was named in honour of his late father – Bradley quipped: "He has an agent [now]. I don’t talk to him much anymore. He doesn’t return my calls. He always walks away from me unless I have food."
Bradley Cooper praised by PETA
