Fairfield boy wins PETA?s ?cutest vegan? contest

A Fairfield boy has been named the male winner of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' ?Cutest Vegan Kid? contest.

The winner was Vaughn Anderson, 6, son of Sara Bliss and Derek Anderson. PETA received 120 entries for the contest from across the country. The contest was open to children 12 and under who were vegans, meaning they do not eat any products derived from animals.

Annie Leal, the street team coordinator for PETA?s youth division, said Vaughn was chosen because of his enthusiasm for animal rights. She said he has been a vegetarian all his life and became a vegan when he was 5 years old.

According to a press release from PETA, Vaughn is especially interested in advocating for zoo animals. Vaughn was bothered by witnessing a group of people taunt monkeys into throwing themselves repeatedly against the glass barrier of their small enclosures.

?I wish there weren?t any zoos,? Vaughn said. ?Animals should be in nature.?

Winning PETA?s ?Cutest Vegan Kid? contest means Vaughn will be featured in the organization?s online advertisements.

?He?ll be the face of PETA Kids until the contest rolls around next year,? Leal said. ?We?ll probably work on more ways for him to speak up for animals.?

Leal said Vaughn has convinced his 4-year-old sister to become a vegan, too. Vaughn has even convinced five adults in his life to become either vegans or vegetarians.

Leal said PETA had a chance to interview Vaughn after the announcement, and she said she was impressed with the young man.

?Vaughn was super excited about winning the award. He talked about his favorite vegan foods and why he loves animals,? she said.

Vaughn?s favorite dish is black bean and spinach enchiladas with Daiya nondairy cheese and vegan sour cream. He also enjoys climbing trees, drawing and riding his bike.