What is the Big Cat Public Safety Act? Diane Keaton's animal rights advocacy revisited after her death at 79

Diane Keaton’s death on October 11, 2025, has drawn attention to her animal rights advocacy, which was a pivotal part of her life.

The 79-year-old actress, who was known for her roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather, Father of the Bride, and First Wives Club, was a passionate advocate for animal welfare throughout her later years.

Animal rights group PETA shared an emotional tribute following Keaton’s demise. PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said in a statement to Men’s Journal on October 11, 2025, that Diana Keaton

“used her platform to champion animals.”

They said that she endorsed the Big Cat Public Safety Act by actively urging people to ditch meat and reminded everyone

“that ‘it’s nuts’ to eat animals.”

The Big Cat Public Safety Act is a U.S. federal law enacted on December 20, 2022. It bans the private ownership, breeding, and acquisition of big cats as pets, such as lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars, according to the official website of fws.gov.

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All we know about Diane Keaton’s animal rights advocacy

Actress Diane Keaton was not only known for her iconic roles in Hollywood films like Annie Hall and The Godfather but was also a longtime animal rights activist.

On her death, she has been remembered for her animal rights activism by her fellow actors, organisations such as PETA, and her fans.

The New York Times reported that actress Elizabeth Tulloch showed her gratitude upon Diane Keaton's passing in her last Instagram post, which featured her dog, Reggie. She wrote:

“Thank you for your talent, your animal advocacy, your immeasurable charm.”

Diane Keaton also spoke about her vegetarianism in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald in 2020. She said:

“I don’t eat meat, I’m a vegetarian and I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 years and I’ve stopped even eating fish. I stopped five years ago. I don’t want to eat something that was an animal. It’s nuts. I think I eat pretty good, I drink red wine, I want to stay healthy, I want to stay active, I want to work, I want to keep in the world of the world, I want to participate, be a member.”

Remembering Keaton’s love for animals on her death, PETA posted on X:

“Rest in peace, Diane Keaton Diane’s brilliance on screen was matched by her daily compassion for animals. She spoke up for overlooked animals, supported the Big Cat Public Safety Act, and lived a meat-free life rooted in kindness. She’ll be deeply missed by animal advocates everywhere.”

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The Oscar-winning actress’s death has come as a shock to her fans and friends. Her final roles were seen in films like Arthur's Whisky and Summer Camp. Her cause of death remained unclear at the time of this writing.

However, a report in the USA Today stated that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to her home after a call for medical assistance. It reported further that a person was transported to the hospital. CNN reported that the person was confirmed as Keaton.

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