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Chase And Jen Utley Dedicate 'Kindness To Animals' Mural In North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Phillies second basemen Chase Utley and his wife, Jen, have helped dedicate a "Kindness to Animals" themed mural in North Philadelphia, with the help of students from the Pratt Elementary School.

One of the Pratt students, 4th grader Janee Thorton, read a thank you note and poem.

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Jen and Chase Utley (by KYW's Steve Tawa)

"Animal cruelty is not a game to play. If you are listening and hearing we need to start caring. We need to care for the animals on earth, or else the animal mamas will not give birth."

Chase and Jen were delighted to look at the mural work at North 22nd and West Dauphin Street.

"We started painting earlier in the year on just pieces of paper," Chase said. "They did an outstanding job."

"I did not think it was going to be so spectacular." Jen explained.

The Utleys are passionate animal advocates and are on a crusade to educate the community, especially children, about the proper treatment of animals.

"They're so young and like sponges at this point. So you can really make an impression on them," Chase said. "I think we're doing a pretty good job.'

Jen says many young children are in neighborhoods where animals are abused.

"If no one tells you right from wrong, why would you know, at such a young age."

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio

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