PETA Targets Cruel Transport of Animals Killed in Leather Trade
For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2000
Contact:
Jason Baker 98201 22602
Bangalore –– Holding a sign reading "Stop Cruel Cattle Transport––Don’t Buy Leather", and handing out chilis, like those that are smeared into the eyes of cows who have collapsed en route to slaughter, a "cow" will urge Bangalore residents to oppose the abuse of cows by refusing to buy leather:
Date Time Place
Monday, 17th April 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. sharp In front of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue at M G Junction
Cows were once held sacred in India, but demand for cheap leather has spawned a grotesquely cruel underground industry. Because it is illegal to slaughter cows in most of the country, corrupt skin-traders use bribes to smuggle the animals at night across state borders. The cows and calves, who are bought under the pretense that they’ll live out their lives on rural farms, are instead marched for days to slaughter in direct violation of the Constitution of India. Those who collapse have chili peppers and tobacco rubbed into their eyes and their tails broken in an effort to keep them moving.
The Indian leather trade has become the target of animal activists around the world who agree with Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals". In addition, PETA’s campaign to expose the horrific conditions that Indian cattle are kept in during transport has drawn the attention and support of numerous celebrities.
Superstar Pamela Anderson Lee appears in PETA’s video of the Indian leather trade, shot during visits by PETA’s president, Ingrid Newkirk, to Tamul Nadu, Kerala, Mumbai and other states. Rocker Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders turned her latest concert tour into a protest tour, demonstrating outside of stores that purchase Indian leather. Hynde was arrested in New York after climbing into the display window of a store and destroying jackets made from Indian cows.
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has written to the Indian Prime Minister, asking for protection for these animals, as has Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, urging the prime minister to enforce existing laws that would protect the cows. Musician Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker also sent a letter to the prime minister saying, "Without animal protection, the principle of dharma is in a state of collapse".
Animal-free "leather", called "pleather", is growing rapidly in popularity overseas and has become a major trend in the United States and Europe. Many celebrities, including Woody Harrelson, Drew Barrymore and Alicia Silverstone, are setting stylish and compassionate trends by choosing synthetic materials over real animal skins. Famous designers, including Todd Oldham and Stella McCartney, use "pleather" instead of cow skin, and animal-free synthetics are becoming available everywhere, from the most expensive boutiques to discount shoe outlets.
For more information on PETA’s Indian Leather Campaign, please visit our Web site www.PETAIndia.com. Copies of PETA’s exposé into the Indian leather trade are available, as are copies of Paul McCartney’s, Crispian Mills’ and Arun Gandhi’s letters.
