Comedian Kapil Sharma will be honoured with PETA's Person of the Year Award by the animal rights organisation for his dedication to promote compassion for homeless dogs as well as their adoption.

"I am thrilled to learn that I’m being recognised for helping animals. I love to make people laugh but what we all should know is that dog and cat homelessness is no laughing matter," Kapil, who himself has an adopted dog named Zanjeer, said in a statement.

"Each one of who has the time, resources and patience to welcome an animal companion into our homes should adopt a needy dog or cat from shelters or the streets. Zanjeer and I will cherish this PETA award forever," he added.

Earlier this year, in July, the "Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon" star and the other members of "Comedy Nights With Kapil" appeared in a campaign by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals to encourage the adoption of homeless animals.

"Kapil Sharma uses his star power for the sake of animals across India, PETA is calling on people everywhere to follow his compassionate example by adopting - and never buying - companion animals and speaking out for those in need," Sachin Bangera, PETA India manager (media and celebrity projects), said.

Past recipients of PETA's Person of the Year Award include Shashi Tharoor, former Supreme Court Justice KS Panicker Radhakrishnan, and actors Hema Malini, R Madhavan and Jacqueline Fernandez.

(Source: IANS)