A French animal rights spokesperson, Isabelle Goetz, praised the late French actress Brigitte Bardot on Sunday (December 28) in Paris for her tireless advocacy, following the announcement of Bardot’s passing at the age of 91.

Speaking on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) France, Goetz highlighted how Bardot used her fame to champion animal rights, inspiring many others, including Pamela Anderson, to follow in her footsteps.

“Her legacy is one of radically changing how people view and treat animals, from the moment she got involved until today,” Goetz said.

Bardot’s passionate defense of animal welfare began in 2013 when she stated, “This is my only battle, the only direction I want to give my life.” Goetz added that she would always remember one of Bardot’s guiding mottos: “I don’t care about being remembered. What I want is that we remember to respect animals.”

In 1986, Bardot established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals. The following year, she auctioned off personal memorabilia to raise funds for the foundation.

Throughout her life, Bardot supported prominent activists such as anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson and campaigned vigorously against animal cruelty. On several occasions, she even threatened to leave France in protest over animal welfare issues.

-Production: Ardee Napolitano, Yvonne Bell/Reuters