Peta protest against ostrich handbags

KUALA LUMPUR: International non-governmental organisation (NGO) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) today advised the wives of national leaders and VIPs to stop using ostrich leather handbags.

Its spokesperson, Laura Weyman-Jones, said the use of luxury handbags using ostrich leather was a form of cruelty towards animals and should not happen in this country.

“If there are wives of leaders in this country using this kind of luxury handbags, I ask that they respect the fashion they choose.

“Cruelty should not exist simply because one wants to follow the latest fashion trends.

“I ask that they stop using these luxury handbags,” Weyman-Jones told reporters at a small protest held outside the Pavilion shopping centre here today.

Weyman-Jones said this when asked for her opinion on wives of leaders who used certain brands of luxury handbags.

At the protest, those present brought standees showing ostriches and placards, including with the words “Hentikan Jualan Kejam Kulit Burung Unta” (“Stop cruel sale of ostrich skin”) .

Weyman-Jones also urged luxury handbag sellers and manufacturers to cease the sale and production of such handbags.

Previously, AFP reported that a crocodile skin luxury handbag fetched USD222,912 from a mysterious Asian buyer via phone bidding. The handbag was said to be encrusted with 18-carat white gold and jewels.

Social media users then began comparing the handbag to one carried by Prime Minister Najib Razak’s wife, Rosmah Mansor, in a picture. However, Rosmah’s aide Rizal Mansor later denied the bag belonged to her.

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