Ryan Gosling has penned a newspaper article in support of the rights of pigs in his native Canada.
The heartthrob actor and animal lover, who has teamed up with the Farm Sanctuary and Humane Society International/Canada, applauded a draft code made by Canada's National Farm Animal Care Council to improve the conditions for the nation's breeding pigs.
In an article titled A Tiny Cage Is Not A Life for Canada's Globe and Mail, he said he was "heartened" to learn of a new draft code of practice that means the pork industry must stop keeping mother pigs in tiny cages for most of their lives.
The Gangster Squad star also appealed for a loophole which allows pigs to be locked into the gestation crates for five weeks at a time to be closed.
He discussed the bond people have with animals, referring to his own much-loved dog, George.
The star said: "I take my beloved dog George with me almost everywhere I go. Once, George even shared the stage with me on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
"The bond I have with George is not unique. Like me, countless Canadians share their homes and lives with pets they consider to be part of the family. We know that they have individual personalities and quirks (George loves apples, for example) and that they feel both physical and mental pain."
