LONDON: Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham is facing a major obstacle in launching her upcoming line of handbags this year, as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has said it is willing to douse her in faux lizard blood if she goes forward with the new bags. The handbags in question are made using crocodile, lizard and calf leather, and have sparked the ire of the international animal rights community, who have criticized Posh Spice over her use of cruel methods for fashion. Beckham's aides in the UK did not return calls made by Bikya Masr for a statement on the matter. Local media have reported she is getting security increased ahead of her UK launch of the handbag line. Millions of crocodiles and lizards are bred for their skin, many of which are skinned alive, as a PETA video with Joaquin Phoenix revealed earlier this year. Beckham's use of the skins has created much controversy and condemnation here in the UK and abroad. Jamie Jones, a animal rights protester and activist, told Bikya Masr that she would support any action to bring light of the situation, including using fake blood. “If someone wants to put their brand on a product that kills thousands of animals, in horrific and cruel conditions, then they should face the consequences,” she said, adding that those who continue to support fashion designers who use skins and leather “are wrong and ignorant of reality.” Beckham's spokesperson responded to PETA threats, saying that “everyone is entitled to personal opinion and choice, but as with all Victoria Beckham products, the handbags are made to the highest quality and design. These skins sit strictly within the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations, and are monitored at every step of production. The skins are farmed in America under very tight guidelines.” At the same time, the facts on the ground are scary, as reported by thenazareneway.com. “Most leather produced in the U.S. is chrome-tanned. All wastes containing chromium are considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to the toxic substances mentioned above, tannery effluent also contains large amounts of other pollutants, such as protein, hair, salt, lime sludge, sulfides, and acids,” a report on the website stated. BM
