'Take action against fur' says Lyth animal activist
A Caithness animal rights advocate is delighted with this week's announcement that Israel is the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur.
Natalie Oag, Highland representative of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), has applauded the decision by the Israeli government to ban the sale of fur in the fashion industry – becoming the first country to outlaw the controversial clothing material that she says "leads to the slaughter of millions of animals each year".
Natalie, who runs a riding stable in Lyth and has modelled across the world, added: "Years in the fashion industry caused me to hate fur and all that is attached to it.
"This is the reason I became an animal activist and wanted to be a voice for animals. I've turned down photo shoots due to my refusal to wear fur and wouldn't wish to have the skin of a poor animal that was killed only for vanity and not for food.
"And the way the poor animal was murdered is barbaric in itself. That‘s not even taking into consideration the life of hell that is spent in a wire cage or a prison – they have no life, nothing but a cruel existence."
Natalie says "it’s the best news ever" that Israel is the first country to end cruelty to animals for vanity. She now wants to see the UK stop importing fur. Britain banned fur farming two decades ago and ordered the final fur farm to close its doors back in 2003. But since then the UK has continued to import and sell fur from fur farms in other countries, like Finland.
She urges anyone who cares about the issue to sign a petition calling on the UK Government to ban fur sales. The petition can be found at www.change.org/p/uk-government-stop-animals-suffering-for-fur-commit-to-a-furfreebritain
She also wants to make the public aware of the upcoming Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China which starts on Monday (June 21). During the 10-day festival, dogs (and also cats) are exhibited in metal cages and wooden crates before they are skinned, cooked, and eaten.
"June the 21st is the worst day for any dog in China," says Natalie. "When you feed your dog tonight, look into his big eyes and please spare a thought for the poor dogs and cats in China."
Another petition has been set up to shut down the Yulin Dog Meat Festival and can be signed at http://chng.it/gSddhVLVWc
Lyth-based PETA activist 'so happy' over Animal Welfare Bill
