Hayden Panettiere: PETA releases new vision of actress promoting animal rights, filmed weeks before death

Hayden Panettiere was not just a cheerleader on screen as the star of Heroes, she was an outspoken advocate for animal rights over many years.

In honour of the 36-year-old actress, who died on Sunday, PETA has released one of her final screen jobs that was filmed just weeks before her death.

Panettiere can be seen laying in a bath tub to convey the space animals are allegedly confined to in some marine parks.

“Imagine spending your entire life in a bathtub. That’s what it’s like for dolphins and whales in tiny tanks at marine amusement parks,” she begins.

In her closing statement, the star asks the public to boycott parks that keep such creatures in highly restricted spaces.

“Vow today to never go to a marine park that keeps dolphins in extreme captivity. Together, we can end this cruelty,” she says.

Panettiere’s animal activism spanned as far back as 2007, with a then-18-year-old travelling to the infamous fishing village of Taiji in Japan to protest the annual hunting of dolphins for their meat and sale.

She was one of several activists who paddled out into the bloodied waters to stand up for what she felt was wrong — an act that was later featured in Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove.

PETA shared a statement reflecting the long-time activist’s endeavours.

“While many know Hayden for her memorable roles on-screen, she may have been proudest of her work to stop animal suffering,” the organisation wrote.

“She was never afraid to speak out boldly against the confinement of highly intelligent marine animals, protesting on their behalf and always calling out cruelty wherever she witnessed it.

Fans of the star would otherwise recognise her for TV acting roles including Juliette in Nashville, Claire in Heroes, as well as films Scream 4 and I love You, Beth Cooper.

She died in South Carolina where she was found in cardiac arrest, though no cause of death has been revealed.

Panettiere leaves behind 11-year-old daughter Kaya, whom she shares with former partner Wladimir Klitschko.