Katherine Heigl is hitting back at criticism of her attendance at an animal rescue event held at Mar-a-Lago.

The former “Grey’s Anatomy” star and animal advocate visited President Donald Trump’s Florida estate Friday for a fundraiser benefiting the Big Dog Ranch. Heigl told fashion and celebrity blog Just Jared on Wednesday that the campaign raised $5 million for animals in need — many of whom have been abused or neglected

“Animals don’t vote,” she said. “The only room they don’t like is the euthanasia room at a shelter. They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own.”

The 47-year-old activist and her mother, Nancy, founded the Jason Heigl Foundation in 2008 to help to promote animal welfare. The non-profit organization is named for Heigl’s teenage brother, an animal lover who was killed in a 1986 car crash in Connecticut. The organization claims to have raised more than $8 million to help animals.

Last week’s event in Palm Beach was also attended by the president’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who was photographed with Heigl and her mom. The “27 Dresses” star drew some criticism on social media for attending an event associated with the Trump family.

At least one social media user accused her of using the event to gain access to the rich and powerful. Heigl responded that her work with animals costs her more than she can earn.

“This should not be a polarizing issue,” she told Just Jared.

Heigl expressed gratitude for everyone who attended the Mar-a-Lago event “and continues to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”

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