Editing Mutts (comic strip) (section)

==Animal welfare and animal rights==
[[File:Mcdonnell photo low res 2.jpg|thumb|180x180px|Patrick McDonnell, the creator of ''Mutts'']]
On occasion, McDonnell devotes the strip for a week or more to [[animal welfare]] issues, especially the adoption of pets from [[animal shelter]]s. Themes include Farm Animal Awareness Week and Shelter Stories, where [[pet adoption]] as well as pet shelter life is the key focus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MUTTS Shelter Stories |url=https://mutts.com/pages/shelter-stories |access-date=March 25, 2022 |website=MUTTS |language=en}}</ref> In the sixth episode of ''Shelter Me'', a [[PBS]] series presented by the [[Petco Foundation]], McDonnell visited Animal Care Centers of NYC to inspire a series of Shelter Stories to share with MUTTS readers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2016 |title=Hearts & Paws |url=https://shelterme.tv/episodes/episode-6/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223164057/https://shelterme.tv/episodes/episode-6/ |archive-date=23 February 2021 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |website=ShelterMe.tv |language=en-US}}</ref> McDonnell has also produced several short animated public service announcements advocating animal adoption from shelters.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Reigning Cat and Dog: An Interview with MUTTS Creator Patrick McDonnell |url=https://www.hoganmag.com/blog/reigning-cat-and-dog-an-interview-with-mutts-creator-patrick-mcdonnell |access-date=October 18, 2017 |website=Cartoonician.com}}</ref> One week included a reference to the [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sea Shepherd Featured in MUTTS Comic Strip |url=http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/2010/08/17/sea-shepherd-featured-in-mutts-comic-strip-148 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026215805/http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/2010/08/17/sea-shepherd-featured-in-mutts-comic-strip-148 |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |access-date=October 18, 2017 |website=Seashepherd.org}}</ref>

McDonnell also created artwork for the second generation [[New Jersey]] [[Vehicle registration plates of New Jersey|Animal Friendly specialty license plate]], first issued in 2001. A portion of the revenue from the plates goes to the New Jersey Department of Health's Animal Population Control Program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State of New Jersey Animal Friendly License Plate |url=https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/animal.htm |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>

Additionally, McDonnell speaks out (usually using character Shtinky Puddin') about numerous animal rights causes, including [[seal clubbing]], [[whale hunting]], and the cause closest to Shtinky's hearts, saving the tigers. Additionally, McDonnell occasionally features Guard Dog, a tough-looking but tender-hearted dog who is chained in his yard. Supported by many animal welfare groups, Guard Dog serves as a symbol for all chained dogs, to remind people that no dog should have to live that way. McDonnell promised his readers that one day Guard Dog would be freed from his chains in the comic strip, though he already runs free in McDonnell's sketchbooks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=On Guard Dog |url=https://mutts.com/blogs/news/on-guard-dog |access-date=March 25, 2022 |website=MUTTS |language=en}}</ref> In November 2023, McDonnell wrote a storyline where Guard Dog's owners move away without him, forcing the other characters to free him so can receive medical treatment. After being freed, Guard Dog is renamed Sparky.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Mark |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Creator of comic strip 'Mutts' frees his Guard Dog character after decades |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/breaking-chains-creator-comic-strip-mutts-frees-guard-105268888 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130215143/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/breaking-chains-creator-comic-strip-mutts-frees-guard-105268888 |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=ABC News}}</ref>

Many strips over the years have been devoted to [[Jane Goodall|Dr. Jane Goodall]] and her numerous contributions to animal [[Protected area|conservancy]] throughout her lifetime. Some feature quotes from Dr. Goodall, while others feature Shtinky and other MUTTS characters on their quest to meet, observe, and learn from Dr. Goodall.