Star Trek: Picard's Sir Patrick Stewart honored with 2021 ASPCA Pit Bull Advocate and Protector Award
"Remembrance" -- Episode #101 -- Pictured: Patrick Stewart as Picard of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: PICARD Photo Cr: Matt Kennedy/CBS ©2019 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
OCTOBER 24, 2021 - Long before it was revealed that Jean-Luc Picard had a companion in his retirement at Château Picard in the form of a pit bull terrier called Number One, Star Trek: Picard’s Sir Patrick Stewart had been an advocate for pit bulls, which include several dog breeds. As a result of Stewart’s advocacy, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has awarded him their 2021 Pit Bull Advocate & Protector Award.
According to the ASPCA’s announcement, Stewart participated in the ASPCA’s National Dogfighting Awareness Day campaigns in 2017 and 2018 and last year contributed a video to the organization’s Humane Awards event. He has also used social media and television appearances to speak up for pit bulls. Stewart and his wife, singer and songwriter Sunny Ozell, have fostered pit bulls in their home since as early as 2017. They have been unable to permanently adopt a pit bull due in part to legislation against owning pit bulls in the United Kingdom.
ASPCA president and CEO, Matt Bershadker, said, “For years, Patrick has dedicated his time, energy, and popularity to demonstrating how pit bulls can make wonderful pets and helping us bring an end to dogfighting. He is an incredible voice and ally for these vulnerable dogs and uniquely deserving of our Pit Bull Advocate & Protector Award.”
Stewart said about the award, “This is a most extraordinary honor, which gives Sunny and me much pleasure, even though the privilege of helping to protect and celebrate pit bulls is all we need. Our longing is that one day we shall be settled enough to welcome a pittie into our home for good—come that day.”
For more on Sir Patrick Stewart and his work on behalf of pit bull terriers, visit ASPCA.org.
Number One, played by Dinero, can be seen in season one of Star Trek: Picard, streaming now on Paramount+ and available on DVD and Blu-ray.
David is a contributing writer for Daily Star Trek News on the Roddenberry Podcast Network. He is a librarian, baseball fan, and book and movie buff. He has also written for American Libraries and Skeptical Inquirer. David also enjoys diverse music, but leans toward classical and jazz. He plays a mean radio.
