Poway-bred punk-pop band blink 182 has been named the “Most Animal-Friendly Band” of 2016 by Peta2, the youth wing of the animal rights group PETA.

This honor was not bestowed because blink — which performed Sunday at Valley View Casino Center at 91X’s Wrex The Halls bash — named its 1994 album “Cheshire Cat.” Nor was it because blink’s 1997 album, “Dude Ranch,” included the songs “Waggy” and “Lemmings,” or because its 1997 album, “Enema of the State,” featured the heart-tugging “Mutt.”

Instead, blink was honored by Peta2 at the 11th annual Libby Awards because of its devotion to the animal world. Blink bassist-singer Mark Hoppus is a vegan, while drummer Travis Barker and new band guitarist-singer Matt Skiba are vegetarians.

In winning the “Most Animal-Friendly Band” award, blink beat out fellow nominees Matt and Kim, Farewell, My Love and Tonight Alive. AFI singer Davey Havok was named Hero of the Year for Animals and Miley Cyrus received the Best Voice for Animals award.


In a statement about this year’s Libby winners, Peta2 Senior Director Marta Holmberg said: “Today’s hottest stars don’t hesitate to take time out from judging a hit television show or dropping a highly anticipated album in order to speak up for animals. Peta2 is recognizing Miley Cyrus, Davey Havok, blink-182, and other celebrities who are encouraging fans to eat vegan, shop cruelty-free, and more.”

You can read the complete list of winners in all categories at the Libby Awards website.

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