'Whole boiled, fresh local cats for sale' in Kochi: PETA stages unique protest

Kochi: In a creative demonstration promoting veganism, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) staged a unique protest at Marine Drive's Rainbow Hanging Bridge on the occasion of the International Cat Day on August 8. 

The event featured cat dolls arranged as “cooked dishes” to highlight their message here on Wednesday.

The protest was titled ‘Cat Meat for Sale’ to draw attention to the ethics of consuming animal products. PETA organiser Utgharsh Garg pointed out that while most people do not eat cats, they often consume other meats and fish. Garg argued that animals should not be used for food, entertainment or fashion, and emphasised that a vegan diet provides all necessary nutrients. He also mentioned that choosing veganism could save the lives of around 200 animals each year. The protest was led by organiser Hiraj Lajjani.

PETA, an organisation that works to protect animal rights, campaigns against animal cruelty and promotes the idea that animals should not be used for food, clothing, experiments or entertainment. It often uses public protests, like the ones in Kochi, advertisements and educational materials to spread awareness on the importance of treating animals well.

A few months back, PETA, along with actor Priyamani donated a life-size mechanical elephant to the Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi following the temple's decision to never own or hire live elephants. The mechanical elephant, named Mahadevan, would be used to conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner, PETA had said in a release. 

Last year, the authorities at Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district, as part of their pledge to stop using live animals for any festivities, introduced a robotic elephant for temple rituals, a first in Kerala.