The Nightmare on Elm Street filmmaker lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 76, and tributes have poured in from famous friends, fans and colleagues, including Scream stars Courteney Cox and David Arquette and Halloween director John Carpenter.

Now PETA officials have offered up their condolences to Craven's family by hailing his long-running efforts in the fight against animal cruelty.

A statement issued by PETA President Ingrid Newkirk reads: "Wes matched his success on the silver screen with the kindness of his heart, which he extended to animals many times, wishing to spare them the real-life horrors of laboratory experimentation and other forms of cruelty. He put fear into the hearts of those who experimented on dogs and cats condemned for a lifetime to endure pet-food tests, and his monthly column about how wonderful birds are gave every reader tips for how each of us can make the world a less scary place for our feathered friends.

"Wes was a friend to PETA and to animals, and we will miss him dearly."