PETA organises 'Lying dead' protest in Chennai

Chennai, Feb 1 (UNI) Playing ''dead'' in a row of open coffins, members of the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) today spread a message that dead skin was not fashionable.

In a novel protest against the ongoing 22nd annual India International Leather Fair here, seven youths were laid in the coffins with wreaths placed on them in the busiest part of the city.

A banner placed across them stated ''Don't be caught dead in leather.

In a bid to create awareness of the inhuman treatment meted out to before they were ''turned'' into leather shoes, bags and other products, PETA members also displayed images of animals being slaughtered for their skin.

PETA India Coordinator N G Jayasimha said a vast majority of animals used for their skin suffer horrors such as painful mutilations, physical abuse and cruel treatment during transport and slaughter.

In India, even the most basic animal protection laws were ignored in the production of leather. Leather tanneries were also wreaking havoc on the environment and their pollution had been linked to cancer, respiratory infections and other illness in humans, he added.

The PETA members urged shoppers to choose synthetic and natural fibre materials instead of animal skin.

UNI