Winfrey named 2008 PETA Person of the Year

NORFOLK, Va., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says U.S. TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey is the group's 2008 Person of the Year.

The animal rights organization said in a statement that Winfrey has been a strong supporter of animals through her popular NBC talk show and her other media offerings, E! Online reported Friday.

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk credited Winfrey, saying the celebrity "used her powerful voice to defend those without one."

The group also detailed Winfrey's heartfelt reaction to the death of her pet cocker spaniel in March as a key reason for honoring her.

E! Online said Winfrey featured 2008 shows that focused on living conditions faced by animals before slaughter on factory farms, along with controversial puppy mills.