Sam Simon, the co-creater of The Simpsons and nine time Emmy award winner, has died today at 59, after a public battle with cancer. It was said that he passed away surrounded by his family and his beloved dog.

Not only was Sam famous for his work with The Simpsons, he was also an avid animal rights activist who has given away much of his wealth to save animals from cruelty and abuse.

He set up a foundation called Sam Simon which rescues and trains stray dogs. He recently announced that he would be giving away $100 million to a variety of charities.

Al Jean, The Simpsons executive producer released a statement today saying, “He was a genius and a great humanitarian in ways public and private. I personally owe him more than can be repaid, but I will do my best to help every animal I can in his memory.”

In Sam Simon’s memory, I have collated some words of his, spoken to help those animals without a voice, who have no way of defending them selves.

Sam Simon will be sorely missed, though his dedication to his causes will live on through many who have been inspired through his words and actions.

A man—an angel—RIP.

“One of the things about animal rights, which is not the only thing that I care about, is that your money can bring success. I see results.”

“Veganism is an answer for almost every problem facing the world in terms of hunger and climate change.”

“Through PETA, we rescue animals in roadside zoos and circuses. They are some of the most abused animals in the country.”

“Meat is the biggest greenhouse gas producer. There’s also the cruelty and suffering aspect. When people do Meatless Mondays, and when people adopt instead of buying a dog, that’s a PETA victory.”

“I want medical experiments on animals stopped. They don’t do anything, and they don’t work.”

“Saving the lives of dogs to enrich the lives of people.”

Talking about the animals Sam Simon has rescued who now reside at the WIld Animal Sanctuary, he explains, “I’ve got sun bears, moon bears, grizzly bears, Syrian bears and brown bears. I have 11 bears in Dallas and 23 in Colorado—but they just had six cubs.”

He also has two rescued chimps who reside in a Florida sanctuary, 500 chinchillas rescued from a Californian ranch and a rescued racehorse in Virginia, to name but a few!

Despite his illness, he continued his work, and while rescuing chinchillas at a breeding farm, Sam Simon spoke saying, “This is your last day of base. This is your first day of freedom.” As he unsteadily walked through the facilities cramped rows of mesh wire cages, accompanied by a nurse.

“I was just an animal lover.”

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Relephant:

Compassionate Vegetarianism: Meat is more than just Dead Animals.

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Author: Alex Myles

Editor: Travis May

Photo: Video Still