Chris DeRose is an American animal rights activist, former actor, and recipient of the 1997 Courage of Conscience International Peace Award. His life’s work exemplifies a relentless fight for the voiceless. Best known as the founder and president of the organization Last Chance for Animals (LCA), DeRose has dedicated himself to investigating and exposing animal cruelty since 1984. His journey combines personal trials, grassroots activism, and high-profile media campaigns that have left a lasting mark on American society and animal welfare laws. Read more on los-angeles.name.
Biography
Chris DeRose was born on June 28, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York. Starting at age five, his mother’s illness forced him into New Jersey orphanages on three separate occasions. These early hardships forged his deep empathy for the vulnerable and a strong sense of justice. He later worked as a police officer and private investigator, gaining crucial skills in investigating and tracking down offenders.
His profound empathy for animals was awakened during his time at acting school in Hollywood, when he stepped in to help a stray dog. This chance encounter was a turning point, making him realize that animals experience genuine emotions and desperately need protection. That moment sparked what would become a lifelong crusade for animal rights.
Media Career
Before dedicating his life entirely to animal welfare, DeRose was a working actor. He appeared in popular TV series like “The San Pedro Beach Bums,” “General Hospital,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “CHiPs,” “The Rockford Files,” and “Baretta,” as well as 14 feature films. He also served as a host and special correspondent for the television news magazines “Hard Copy” and “Inside Edition.” There, he spearheaded investigative reports exposing severe cases of animal abuse.
In 1999, Chris pioneered the first mainstream animal rights television show, “Hollywood Animal Crusaders,” which aired on Animal Planet. This groundbreaking program paved the way for numerous other media projects aimed at promoting animal welfare across the United States.
Last Chance for Animals
In 1984, Chris founded Last Chance for Animals (LCA), an international non-profit dedicated to investigating and ending animal exploitation in the entertainment, scientific, and food industries. Under his leadership, LCA gained national recognition for its bold undercover operations. These included infiltrating research laboratories and exposing Class B animal dealers who supplied dogs and cats for testing.
One of his most high-profile media appearances was in the 2006 HBO documentary “Dealing Dogs.” The film chronicled LCA’s massive undercover investigation into the horrific abuse of dogs at an Arkansas breeding facility. The operation successfully shut down the farm and brought the owners to justice. DeRose also actively campaigned against animal cruelty on military bases and in zoos. Notably, he took on the infamous case of a U.S. Marine who threw a puppy off a cliff in Iraq, pushing for a thorough investigation that ultimately led to disciplinary action against those involved.
Legislative Achievements
Over more than four decades of activism, Chris DeRose helped secure the first-ever state prison sentences for animal cruelty in the U.S. He also championed pet spay/neuter and vaccination programs through the “New Hope for Animals” initiative. Furthermore, he founded a political party dedicated to merging environmental concerns with animal rights issues.
His tireless advocacy has earned him numerous accolades. Most notably, he received the Courage of Conscience International Peace Award in 1997, honoring his relentless fight against animal cruelty and his widespread educational efforts.
DeRose authored the memoir “In Your Face: From Actor to Animal Activist,” chronicling his personal evolution from Hollywood actor to dedicated advocate. The book, which saw an updated release in 2016, cemented his reputation as one of the world’s leading animal rights defenders. His groundbreaking investigations and passionate public speaking have inspired countless organizations and activists across America, driving the creation of new animal shelters and educational programs.
DeRose is also a prominent figure at international animal rights conferences and forums. Representing Last Chance for Animals, he regularly speaks out on global cruelty issues and the urgent need for reform across the food, scientific, and entertainment industries. He has worked to develop educational programs for schools and universities, aiming to instill an ethical attitude toward all living creatures and promote responsible consumption. His broader efforts involve collaborating with other international advocacy groups to strategize the protection of endangered species.
His life is a powerful example of how personal compassion and sheer determination can translate into a global impact. His work spans mass media, legislative reform, and direct animal rescue. Today, LCA stands as an international symbol of the fight for the voiceless. Chris DeRose has proven that dedication and courage can truly shift culture and change laws for the betterment of all living beings.