Billings Brothers Win National Youth Award for Helping Animals

For Immediate Release:
August 13, 2024

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

Whether they’re creating a petition to boycott chick-hatching projects at school, advocating against animal dissection in the classroom, or encouraging their friends and family members to go vegan, Lewis & Clark Middle School brothers Toby Bradish,11, and Wesley Bradish, 12, are always speaking up for animals—and their inspiring activism has earned them top honors in PETA Kids’ 2024 All-Star for Animals Contest.

At just 4 years old, Wesley went vegetarian after asking his mom what meatballs are made of. Both siblings later went vegan after Toby watched the Netflix film Okja,which made himrealize that all animals used for food suffer immensely. The brothers have since become dedicated animal rights advocates at school, where Toby collected signatures for his petition to boycott classroom chick-hatching projects—in which vulnerable chicks or ducklings are frequently harmed and often later killed. In addition, Wesley can often be found passionately explaining to classmates that animals are friends, not food, and how the meat, egg, and dairy industries cause animals to suffer. At home, the siblings take an active role in caring for their rescued animal companions by helping to walk and feed their dog, Freddy, and giving lots of love and care to their four cats. Wesley hopes to own a vegan bakery when he grows up, and Toby wants to one day work at an animal sanctuary.

“From the dinner table to the classroom, Toby and Wesley never miss an opportunity to be animal allies, and their passion and dedication set a shining example for young people everywhere,” says PETA Senior Director of Youth Programs Marta Holmberg. “PETA Kids is delighted to honor them for leading us all toward a kinder future.”

Toby and Wesley will receive megaphone trophies to use in their activism, a year’s supply of vegan cookies from San Diego–based Maya’s Cookies, and an assortment of merchandise from PETA Kids. Their work in behalf of animals will be shared across the country to help inspire kind kids everywhere. See the full contest details here.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information on PETA Kids, please visit PETAKids.com or follow the group on Facebook or Instagram.