Animal rights protesters on Saturday blockaded four British distribution centres for fast-food chain McDonald's, demanding they become fully plant-based by 2025.

The Animal Rebellion group said they intended to block the distribution sites in Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry and Greater Manchester -- all in England -- for at least 24 hours.

"We are in the middle of a climate and ecological emergency and we are still consuming huge quantities of meat on a scale that is just not sustainable for our planet," a protester in Coventry said in a video posted on Twitter.

McDonald's confirmed that its distribution centres were currently facing disruption.&nbsp;

"We are assessing the impact on deliveries to our restaurants and to menu items. We apologise to our customers for any disappointment caused," said a spokesperson.

Coventry police said they "recognise the right to a peaceful protest, however there are safety concerns as the sole entrance and exit point to the distribution site has been blocked and this is causing significant disruption to businesses, which we are taking seriously."

Animal rights protesters on Saturday blockaded four British distribution centres for fast-food chain McDonald's, demanding they become fully plant-based by 2025.

Animal rights protesters on Saturday blockaded four British distribution centres for fast-food chain McDonald's, demanding they become fully plant-based by 2025. The Animal Rebellion group said they intended to block the distribution sites in Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry and Greater Manchester -- all in England -- for at least 24 hours. "We are in the middle of a climate and ecological emergency and we are still consuming huge quantities of meat on a scale that is just not sustainable for our planet," a protester in Coventry said in a video posted on Twitter. McDonald's confirmed that its distribution centres were currently facing disruption. "We are assessing the impact on deliveries to our restaurants and to menu items. We apologise to our customers for any disappointment caused," said a spokesperson. Coventry police said they "recognise the right to a peaceful protest, however there are safety concerns as the sole entrance and exit point to the distribution site has been blocked and this is causing significant disruption to businesses, which we are taking seriously."

Animal rights group blocks UK McDonald's sites

The British government is going to formally recognise animals as sentient beings as part of a post-Brexit welfare plan.

The government will introduce legislation to declare that animals are capable of feeling sensations and emotions. The new ‘Animal Sentience Bill’ will be put before parliament soon.

The new laws would also ban the live export of animals for slaughter and fattening, and explore prohibiting the sale of foie gras.

UK environment secretary George Eustice said in a statement: "We are a nation of animal lovers and were the first country in the world to pass animal welfare laws.

"Our action plan for animal welfare will deliver on our manifesto commitment to ban the export of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, prohibit keeping primates as pets, and bring in new laws to tackle puppy smuggling.

"As an independent nation, we are now able to go further than ever to build on our excellent track record."&nbsp;

Additional proposals include looking into a ban on the importing of hunting trophies from endangered animals, ending the import and export of detached shark fins and boosting the welfare of farm animals as they are transported.

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government is going to formally recognise animals as sentient beings as part of a post-Brexit welfare plan. The government will introduce legislation to declare that animals are capable of feeling sensations and emotions.

The British government is going to formally recognise animals as sentient beings as part of a post-Brexit welfare plan. The government will introduce legislation to declare that animals are capable of feeling sensations and emotions. The new ‘Animal Sentience Bill’ will be put before parliament soon. The new laws would also ban the live export of animals for slaughter and fattening, and explore prohibiting the sale of foie gras. UK environment secretary George Eustice said in a statement: "We are a nation of animal lovers and were the first country in the world to pass animal welfare laws. "Our action plan for animal welfare will deliver on our manifesto commitment to ban the export of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, prohibit keeping primates as pets, and bring in new laws to tackle puppy smuggling. "As an independent nation, we are now able to go further than ever to build on our excellent track record." Additional proposals include looking into a ban on the importing of hunting trophies from endangered animals, ending the import and export of detached shark fins and boosting the welfare of farm animals as they are transported. (With inputs from agencies)

Animals will be formally recognised as sentient beings in the UK

When a barge full of hay approached a semi-submerged rural property in Sydney's outer suburbs on Wednesday (March 24), the horses don't wait for it to be unloaded - they eat it straight off the boat.

Residents deliver hay to hungry horses cut off by floodwater

164 dogs were discovered in a tiny house in western Japan in what an animal rights group calls one of the worst cases of animal hoarding in the country. The canines, found in mid-October in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, were living in a 30 square metre (323 square feet) residence and were mostly malnourished and infected with parasites.

164 dogs rescued from animal hoarding house in western Japan

Across France, horse breeders, pony clubs and equestrian centres are in a state of high alert after horses have been found with ears cut off, eyes gouged out, and genitals mutilated. Police say they have no idea what the motive is: theories include a satanic rite, macabre trophy hunt, or internet challenge

Fearful French horse owners want mystery mutilator caught

Animal rights group PETA has offered 250,000 euros that is &nbsp;over Rs 2 crores to the Spanish city of Pamplona which hosts the world-famous bull racing festival.&nbsp;

This money was given to the city so that they ban the bull racing permanently but the money offered is puny as compared to the revenue the city makes due to the festival. An eight-day San Fermin fiesta fetches 74 million euros.&nbsp;

In a letter written by PETA, it said: "The Running of the Bulls and bullfights ... are a vestige of a far less enlightened time when people didn't understand that animals feel pain and thought nothing of risking fellow humans' safety." This letter was sent to the city mayor Enrique Maya and was accessed by Reuters.&nbsp;

The city officials have called off this year's week-long festival for the first time in four decades. This may be due to the coronavirus cases in the country.&nbsp;

PETA has voiced its protest against the festival that was made famous by Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel 'The Sun Also Rises'. The animal rights group has always displayed visually striking protests on the eve of the infamous San Fermin.&nbsp;

Animal rights group PETA has offered 250,000 euros that is over Rs 2 crores to the Spanish city of Pamplona which hosts the world-famous bull racing festival. This money was given to the city so that they ban the bull racing permanently but the money offered is puny as compared to the revenue the city makes due to the festival.

Animal rights group PETA has offered 250,000 euros that is over Rs 2 crores to the Spanish city of Pamplona which hosts the world-famous bull racing festival. This money was given to the city so that they ban the bull racing permanently but the money offered is puny as compared to the revenue the city makes due to the festival. An eight-day San Fermin fiesta fetches 74 million euros. In a letter written by PETA, it said: "The Running of the Bulls and bullfights ... are a vestige of a far less enlightened time when people didn't understand that animals feel pain and thought nothing of risking fellow humans' safety." This letter was sent to the city mayor Enrique Maya and was accessed by Reuters. The city officials have called off this year's week-long festival for the first time in four decades. This may be due to the coronavirus cases in the country. PETA has voiced its protest against the festival that was made famous by Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel 'The Sun Also Rises'. The animal rights group has always displayed visually striking protests on the eve of the infamous San Fermin.

PETA offers money to Spanish city to 'permanently' ban San Fermin festival

With more Australians staying at home due to stricter confinement rules, some are now turning to adopting and fostering pets as new companions to see out their isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

"A new best friend": Australians turn to pet adoptions to ward off isolation blues

A Washington state sanctuary for chimpanzees once used for scientific research has scaled back its staffing and donned personal protective gear to avoid infecting the primates during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Chimpanzee sanctuary staff take steps to protect the animals against coronavirus

Outrage erupted on social media after a Chinese theme part forced a pig to bungee jump off a 68-metre high tower, the BBC reported.

As visible in the video, the pig was tied to a pole and then ushered by two men to the top of the tower before being pushed off.

The amusement park claims that the stunt was curated to mark the inauguration of the new bungee ride.

According to local media, the pig was then sent to a slaughterhouse.

<h6><img alt="pig" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b81590b-b124-45e4-9e96-8d5a6c0f9ef2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_48.jpg" /> 
Image courtesy: Twitter user&nbsp;@DanielPartain4 
&nbsp;</h6>

The world has become more sensitive to animal rights, as reflected in the anger that was sparked online after the video went viral.

Since then, the theme park has put out a statement and said that they accept the ''criticism''.

"We sincerely accept netizens' criticism and advice and apologise to the public... We will improve [our] marketing of the tourist site, to provide tourists with better services'', the statement read.

The pig was thrown off the edge on January 18 at the Meixin Red Wine Town park in southwestern Chinese municipality of Chongqing.

The event was called ''The Golden Pig Bungee Jump''.

Local media reported that the pig weighed 75 kilograms and was adorned in a purple cape before being pushed off. Pig squeals can be clearly heard in the video.

<img alt="pig" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="800ad048-2755-470e-b895-5773e0c93db7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_37.jpg" />

<h6>Image courtesy: Twitter user @steve8412 
&nbsp;</h6>

In one video of the incident, what sound like pig squeals can be heard.

In China, animal cruelty is not punishable or recognised by law. But the global movement for animal rights has spurred the conversation about animal welfare issues in the last few years.

Even though there was a lot of outrage against the incident, many users claimed that what happened to the pig was no different than ''killing a pig for food''. 
 
"Killing animals for consumption and treating them cruelly for entertainment are two different things... There is no need to torture them like this", a user said.&nbsp;

Animal rights organisation PETA called it ''animal cruelty at its worst''.

Outrage erupted on social media after a Chinese theme part forced a pig to bungee jump off a 68-metre high tower, the BBC reported. As visible in the video, the pig was tied to a pole and then ushered by two men to the top of the tower before being pushed off.

Outrage erupted on social media after a Chinese theme part forced a pig to bungee jump off a 68-metre high tower, the BBC reported. As visible in the video, the pig was tied to a pole and then ushered by two men to the top of the tower before being pushed off. The amusement park claims that the stunt was curated to mark the inauguration of the new bungee ride. According to local media, the pig was then sent to a slaughterhouse. Image courtesy: Twitter user @DanielPartain4 The world has become more sensitive to animal rights, as reflected in the anger that was sparked online after the video went viral. Since then, the theme park has put out a statement and said that they accept the ''criticism''. "We sincerely accept netizens' criticism and advice and apologise to the public... We will improve [our] marketing of the tourist site, to provide tourists with better services'', the statement read. The pig was thrown off the edge on January 18 at the Meixin Red Wine Town park in southwestern Chinese municipality of Chongqing. The event was called ''The Golden Pig Bungee Jump''. Local media reported that the pig weighed 75 kilograms and was adorned in a purple cape before being pushed off. Pig squeals can be clearly heard in the video. Image courtesy: Twitter user @steve8412 In one video of the incident, what sound like pig squeals can be heard. In China, animal cruelty is not punishable or recognised by law. But the global movement for animal rights has spurred the conversation about animal welfare issues in the last few years. Even though there was a lot of outrage against the incident, many users claimed that what happened to the pig was no different than ''killing a pig for food''. "Killing animals for consumption and treating them cruelly for entertainment are two different things... There is no need to torture them like this", a user said. Animal rights organisation PETA called it ''animal cruelty at its worst''.

Chinese theme park forces pig to bungee jump as part of stunt, online outrage follows

Over one hundred horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony on January 16 during the Spanish festival of "Las Luminarias" in San Bartolome de Pinares village, northwest of Madrid. The traditional celebration takes place in San Bartolome de Pinares every January 16, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, Spain's patron saint of animals. Despite being criticised by animal rights groups over the years, one visitor to the festival said that the horses were not harmed, stating that "they jump by themselves and nothing happens to them".

Horses 'purified' by leaping over flames at Spain's Luminarias festival

Tens of thousands of devout Hindus thronged a temple in southern Nepal where thousands of animals and birds were sacrificed this week, amid an outcry from animal rights activists who said the ritual was a cruel and gruesome spectacle.

Thousands of animals sacrificed in Nepal Hindu ritual amid outcry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-sri-lankan-elephants-found-dead-of-suspected-poisoning-252438">Sri Lanka </a>announced harsher penalties in a bid to protect wild elephants on Tuesday, as investigators probed whether seven jumbos found poisoned over the weekend were killed by villagers.

Wildlife and Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said he will impose tougher sanctions on offenders to boost laws enacted three years ago but not yet implemented due to administrative delays.

Elephants are a protected animal in the South Asian island nation and the new rules will increase the length of jail time and amount of fines for those found to have been cruel to the beasts.

Authorities will also be given wider powers to investigate offenders, Amaratunga said, though no further details were released.

Investigations into the deaths of seven elephants at a forest reserve in central Sri Lanka showed the animals had ingested poison, but it was not yet clear if they were murdered.

"The deaths were caused by poison, but we are still trying to establish if it was a deliberate act (of villagers)," Amaratunga said.

"We have found that many elephant corridors in wildlife reserves have been encroached by farmers. This has led to an increase in the human-elephant conflict."

Autopsies have been conducted on the elephants, which included six cows, but a final report had not yet been released, he said.

Amaratunga added that 293 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-probes-elephant-cruelty-at-buddhist-parade-243423">elephants</a> were murdered in the first nine months of this year, while 93 people were killed by wild elephants straying into villages near wildlife sanctuaries.

Last year, 319 elephants were murdered while 96 people were killed by elephants, official data showed.

Amaratunga said the government will also set up a 500-acre (202 hectares) sanctuary to home 47 tamed elephants seized from owners who did not have licences to own them.

The owners are being prosecuted for stealing the elephants from national wildlife parks over the last decade and keeping them as pets. Capturing wild elephants is illegal.

Many rich Sri Lankans keep elephants as pets to show off their wealth, but there have been numerous complaints of ill treatment and cruelty.

Sri Lanka announced harsher penalties in a bid to protect wild elephants on Tuesday, as investigators probed whether seven jumbos found poisoned over the weekend were killed by villagers.

Sri Lanka announced harsher penalties in a bid to protect wild elephants on Tuesday, as investigators probed whether seven jumbos found poisoned over the weekend were killed by villagers. Wildlife and Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said he will impose tougher sanctions on offenders to boost laws enacted three years ago but not yet implemented due to administrative delays. Elephants are a protected animal in the South Asian island nation and the new rules will increase the length of jail time and amount of fines for those found to have been cruel to the beasts. Authorities will also be given wider powers to investigate offenders, Amaratunga said, though no further details were released. Investigations into the deaths of seven elephants at a forest reserve in central Sri Lanka showed the animals had ingested poison, but it was not yet clear if they were murdered. "The deaths were caused by poison, but we are still trying to establish if it was a deliberate act (of villagers)," Amaratunga said. "We have found that many elephant corridors in wildlife reserves have been encroached by farmers. This has led to an increase in the human-elephant conflict." Autopsies have been conducted on the elephants, which included six cows, but a final report had not yet been released, he said. Amaratunga added that 293 elephants were murdered in the first nine months of this year, while 93 people were killed by wild elephants straying into villages near wildlife sanctuaries. Last year, 319 elephants were murdered while 96 people were killed by elephants, official data showed. Amaratunga said the government will also set up a 500-acre (202 hectares) sanctuary to home 47 tamed elephants seized from owners who did not have licences to own them. The owners are being prosecuted for stealing the elephants from national wildlife parks over the last decade and keeping them as pets. Capturing wild elephants is illegal. Many rich Sri Lankans keep elephants as pets to show off their wealth, but there have been numerous complaints of ill treatment and cruelty.

Tougher penalties to protect Sri Lanka elephants after mass deaths

An animal rescue group is asking for help caring for nearly 100 baby snowy egrets and black-crowned night herons left homeless last week after a tree fell in downtown Oakland.

Nearly 100 baby birds rescued from fallen CA tree

Model-actress Sunny Leone is back in news with an almost nude photoshoot for animal rights&nbsp;Tuesday.&nbsp;

Sunny with husband Daniel Weber were seen posing nude, covered in tattoos for an advertisement against animal cruelty for People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) India.&nbsp;

In a statement, she said, &quot;We live in a world with such amazing advances in vegan materials and options for everyone. There is no reason for anyone to support cruelty in any form. Synthetic leather, mock croc, and even faux fur are some of the many great options.&quot;

PETA India posted a photo of the couple on Twitter.

The post reads:&nbsp;&ldquo;Ink, Not Mink&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Stunning beauty <a href="https://twitter.com/SunnyLeone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunnyLeone</a> and her husband <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielWeber99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanielWeber99</a> in new PETA campaign promote animal-free fashion. <a href="https://t.co/egUvr9xaHF">https://t.co/egUvr9xaHF</a> 
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/subisamuel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@subisamuel</a> for this beautiful shot. 
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/hitendra1480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hitendra1480</a> for styling &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TomasMoucka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TomasMoucka</a> for hair &amp; make-up. <a href="https://t.co/polWc6EGQB">pic.twitter.com/polWc6EGQB</a>
&mdash; PETA India (@PetaIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/935478506766589952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

PETA also posted a video in which they can be seen talking about animal cruelty and efforts to protect the voiceless.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WATCH why <a href="https://twitter.com/SunnyLeone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunnyLeone</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielWeber99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanielWeber99</a> want you all to choose animal-free fashion: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WearYourOwnSkin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WearYourOwnSkin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotOursToWear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotOursToWear</a> <a href="https://t.co/OFF8iFK1B3">pic.twitter.com/OFF8iFK1B3</a>
&mdash; PETA India (@PetaIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/935478570415144961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The ad has been shot by ace photographer Subi Samuel and styled by Hitendra Kapoor. It has been unveiled during the World Vegan Month.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The advertisement was released during World Vegan Month

Model-actress Sunny Leone is back in news with an almost nude photoshoot for animal rights Tuesday. Sunny with husband Daniel Weber were seen posing nude, covered in tattoos for an advertisement against animal cruelty for People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) India. In a statement, she said, "We live in a world with such amazing advances in vegan materials and options for everyone. There is no reason for anyone to support cruelty in any form. Synthetic leather, mock croc, and even faux fur are some of the many great options." PETA India posted a photo of the couple on Twitter. The post reads: “Ink, Not Mink" Stunning beauty @SunnyLeone and her husband @DanielWeber99 in new PETA campaign promote animal-free fashion. https://t.co/egUvr9xaHF Thanks @subisamuel for this beautiful shot. Thanks @hitendra1480 for styling & #TomasMoucka for hair & make-up. pic.twitter.com/polWc6EGQB — PETA India (@PetaIndia) November 28, 2017 × PETA also posted a video in which they can be seen talking about animal cruelty and efforts to protect the voiceless. WATCH why @SunnyLeone and @DanielWeber99 want you all to choose animal-free fashion: #WearYourOwnSkin #NotOursToWear pic.twitter.com/OFF8iFK1B3 — PETA India (@PetaIndia) November 28, 2017 × The ad has been shot by ace photographer Subi Samuel and styled by Hitendra Kapoor. It has been unveiled during the World Vegan Month.

Watch: Sunny Leone, husband pose in the buff for PETA ad

Italy&#39;s premier fashion brand Gucci is the latest to join the fur-free campaign by banning the use of fur in its designs from next year.&nbsp;

This comes as part of a growing momentum for fashion houses to look at alternative products after coming under pressure from animal rights activists and changing consumer tastes.&nbsp;

The premier fashion house is part of Paris-based luxury group Kering which has on previous occasions, paraded models down the catwalk in luxurious fur coats. Two years ago, director Alessandro Michele brought in loafers and sling-backs lined with kangaroo-fur.&nbsp;

In a statement on Thursday, Gucci said it would now join an alliance of fur-free companies. It will become a part of Fur Free Alliance, an international group of more than 40 organisations which campaigns on animal welfare and promotes alternatives to fur in the fashion industry.

It also stated that all remaining accessories and clothing made of animal fur will be sold off in a charity auction.&nbsp;

Gucci has sold some of its mink fur coats for over&nbsp;$40,000.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/plus-size-models-and-social-media-influencers-new-york-fashion-week-2017-is-ready-to-woo-millennials-19927" target="_blank">Plus size models and social media influencers, New York Fashion Week 2017 is ready to woo millennials</a>

Gucci&rsquo;s chief executive,&nbsp;Marco Bizzarri said that the brand&nbsp;would drop fur starting from its spring and summer 2018 collection and that its new approach had been agreed on with director Michele.

Michele has been known for his eclectic style and is credited with reviving Gucci by fuelling sales over the past two years.&nbsp;

Taking such a move while enjoying success, Gucci has surprised animal rights campaigners and they see it as a welcome news. They hope that this would have a knock-off effect which would urge other labels to stop using fur.&nbsp;

Simone Pavesi, manager of animal-free fashion at Italian campaign group LAV said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Gucci&rsquo;s decision will radically change the future of fashion. As fashion becomes more and more ethical, supply chains that revolve around animals will be a thing of the past.&rdquo;

Among other labels&nbsp;who have stopped using fur,&nbsp;Yoox Net-A-Porter -- a multi-brand online luxury retailer, adopted a fur-free policy on accessories and clothing sold on the site.

Last year,&nbsp;Italy&rsquo;s Giorgio Armani committed to stop using fur, saying technological progress meant there was no longer any justification for cruelty to animals, while US brand Calvin Klein took the plunge in 1994.

Over the last couple of years, anti-fur protesters have been seen demonstrating&nbsp;outside catwalk shows at fashion weeks around the world to call for an end to animal cruelty. This has gained worldwide attention as more and more number of luxury buyers from the younger generations are sensitised to environmental issues.&nbsp;

In another news, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-luxury-fashion-giants-lvmh-and-kering-ban-ultra-thin-models-19931" target="_blank">luxury groups such as&nbsp;LVMH</a>, owner of Louis Vuitton - are tightening their policies on how leather is sourced from tanneries and how they obtain furs, after a series of scandals over how animals are treated in breeding farms.

France&rsquo;s Hermes was caught in a storm two years ago when a crocodile farm used to supply leather for one of its best-selling handbags was accused of cruel slaughter practices.

&nbsp;

All remaining accessories and clothing made of animal fur will be sold off in a charity auction, Gucci said in a statement

Italy's premier fashion brand Gucci is the latest to join the fur-free campaign by banning the use of fur in its designs from next year. This comes as part of a growing momentum for fashion houses to look at alternative products after coming under pressure from animal rights activists and changing consumer tastes. The premier fashion house is part of Paris-based luxury group Kering which has on previous occasions, paraded models down the catwalk in luxurious fur coats. Two years ago, director Alessandro Michele brought in loafers and sling-backs lined with kangaroo-fur. In a statement on Thursday, Gucci said it would now join an alliance of fur-free companies. It will become a part of Fur Free Alliance, an international group of more than 40 organisations which campaigns on animal welfare and promotes alternatives to fur in the fashion industry. It also stated that all remaining accessories and clothing made of animal fur will be sold off in a charity auction. Gucci has sold some of its mink fur coats for over $40,000. Also Read: Plus size models and social media influencers, New York Fashion Week 2017 is ready to woo millennials Gucci’s chief executive, Marco Bizzarri said that the brand would drop fur starting from its spring and summer 2018 collection and that its new approach had been agreed on with director Michele. Michele has been known for his eclectic style and is credited with reviving Gucci by fuelling sales over the past two years. Taking such a move while enjoying success, Gucci has surprised animal rights campaigners and they see it as a welcome news. They hope that this would have a knock-off effect which would urge other labels to stop using fur. Simone Pavesi, manager of animal-free fashion at Italian campaign group LAV said, “Gucci’s decision will radically change the future of fashion. As fashion becomes more and more ethical, supply chains that revolve around animals will be a thing of the past.” Among other labels who have stopped using fur, Yoox Net-A-Porter -- a multi-brand online luxury retailer, adopted a fur-free policy on accessories and clothing sold on the site. Last year, Italy’s Giorgio Armani committed to stop using fur, saying technological progress meant there was no longer any justification for cruelty to animals, while US brand Calvin Klein took the plunge in 1994. Over the last couple of years, anti-fur protesters have been seen demonstrating outside catwalk shows at fashion weeks around the world to call for an end to animal cruelty. This has gained worldwide attention as more and more number of luxury buyers from the younger generations are sensitised to environmental issues. In another news, luxury groups such as LVMH, owner of Louis Vuitton - are tightening their policies on how leather is sourced from tanneries and how they obtain furs, after a series of scandals over how animals are treated in breeding farms. France’s Hermes was caught in a storm two years ago when a crocodile farm used to supply leather for one of its best-selling handbags was accused of cruel slaughter practices.

Bid adieu to Gucci fur coats, Italian brand will go fur-free from 2018

Vegan diets are considered by most as healthy and environmentally responsible, with celebrity poster children touting benefits like weight loss, clear skin and increased energy.&nbsp;But even vegans, who eschew all animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, crave junk food. 
 
As the movement becomes more and more popular, temptations including donuts, pizza and mock hamburgers allow vegans to eat just as badly as everybody else. 
 
&quot;There are a lot of unhealthy options. It&#39;s hard to resist at first,&quot; Jessica McCully, 28, said at a vegan food festival in the Los Angeles area, a fake chicken taco in her hand.&nbsp;McCully is a new convert to &quot;mock meat&quot; thanks to her girlfriend, and says that in just two months of adopting a vegan diet, she feels happier and &quot;more energetic&quot;. 
 
According to a Harris Interactive study, between seven and eight million Americans identify as vegan, especially in the US epicentre of clean eating, California.&nbsp;Today&#39;s animal product-free diet goes beyond the stereotypical lentils and granola, with restaurants offering gourmet vegan dishes like watermelon salad with almonds, cheese and toasted pistachios, or zucchini flowers stuffed with macadamia ricotta. 
 
Of course, the diet is not all haute cuisine: there are also plenty of restaurants serving &quot;comfort&quot; vegan food, including tofu or mock meat that has been breaded and fried.&nbsp;Los Angeles even holds an annual &quot;Vegan Oktoberfest&quot;, allowing vegans to imbibe while sampling from an assortment of indulgent snacks. 
 
Not just carrots and celery 
 
At the vegan food fair in Anaheim, a suburb of LA, bowls of quinoa are hard to find.&nbsp; 
 
Lori Whitaker, a long-limbed blonde with a golden complexion, stood in line at one stand to buy a pizza.&nbsp;&quot;I like my junk food; I won&#39;t lie,&quot; the 54-year-old said. Today, she said, &quot;you can get a vegan pizza, a vegan taco. I think this is great because a lot of people think vegans eat only celery and carrots&quot;. 
 
In LA&#39;s hipster Silver Lake neighbourhood, Donut Farm sells sugary, fried confections just like every other donut shop, but their treats in trendy flavours like green tea and salted caramel are vegan. 
 
&quot;I think a vegan option is still going to be a bit more healthier,&quot; said sales person Chris Boss, who said the bakery&#39;s recipes call for organic flours and sugar, and ingredients like coconut milk.&nbsp;The treats do have less cholesterol and no trans-fats, he added.&nbsp;But at the end of the day, &quot;it&#39;s a ball of fried dough with lots of calories,&quot; Boss said. 
 
&#39;Horror and compassion&#39; 
 
Many converts to veganism cite health reasons, but support for animal rights remains a key motivation.&nbsp;&quot;Usually it&#39;s with horror at how our factory farming works,&quot; said Annie Jubb, a vegan lifestyle consultant. &quot;It&#39;s motivated by horror and compassion.&quot; 
 
But Jubb admits that not all vegans are healthy.&nbsp;&quot;They could be eating chips and fried food,&quot; she said. &quot;Eating soy burgers, soy bacon three times a day soy is not a health food.&quot; 
 
The orthodox vegan, who counts Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio as one of her past clients, allows herself the occasional indulgence, ordering in a comfort food staple: vegan mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re in this business to provide people healthy, nourishing food,&quot; said Ryland Engelhart, co-owner of Cafe Gratitude, a California chain of &quot;plant-based&quot; restaurants serving dishes like faux chorizo sandwiches and chocolate-pollen smoothies. 
 
&quot;But you can&#39;t expect people to jump overnight to a diet of kelp noodle salad with bean sprouts and sauteed tempeh,&quot; he said. 
 
Still, Engelhart said, vegans need to be careful to maintain a balanced diet just like everyone else.&nbsp;&quot;It can get to a point where we&#39;re not just transitioning people, but maintaining them into being satiated by non-meat junk food,&quot; he said. &quot;It is still junk food.&quot; 
 
The Cafe Gratitude team, though, leans medicinal: at its sister restaurant, the Mexican-themed Gracias Madre, cocktails include ingredients like essential oil of cannabis. 
 
&quot;We are all about plants, right?&quot; said Engelhart with a smile. 
 
(AFP)

Temptations including donuts, pizza and mock hamburgers allow vegans to eat just as badly as everybody else

Vegan diets are considered by most as healthy and environmentally responsible, with celebrity poster children touting benefits like weight loss, clear skin and increased energy. But even vegans, who eschew all animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, crave junk food. As the movement becomes more and more popular, temptations including donuts, pizza and mock hamburgers allow vegans to eat just as badly as everybody else. "There are a lot of unhealthy options. It's hard to resist at first," Jessica McCully, 28, said at a vegan food festival in the Los Angeles area, a fake chicken taco in her hand. McCully is a new convert to "mock meat" thanks to her girlfriend, and says that in just two months of adopting a vegan diet, she feels happier and "more energetic". According to a Harris Interactive study, between seven and eight million Americans identify as vegan, especially in the US epicentre of clean eating, California. Today's animal product-free diet goes beyond the stereotypical lentils and granola, with restaurants offering gourmet vegan dishes like watermelon salad with almonds, cheese and toasted pistachios, or zucchini flowers stuffed with macadamia ricotta. Of course, the diet is not all haute cuisine: there are also plenty of restaurants serving "comfort" vegan food, including tofu or mock meat that has been breaded and fried. Los Angeles even holds an annual "Vegan Oktoberfest", allowing vegans to imbibe while sampling from an assortment of indulgent snacks. Not just carrots and celery At the vegan food fair in Anaheim, a suburb of LA, bowls of quinoa are hard to find. Lori Whitaker, a long-limbed blonde with a golden complexion, stood in line at one stand to buy a pizza. "I like my junk food; I won't lie," the 54-year-old said. Today, she said, "you can get a vegan pizza, a vegan taco. I think this is great because a lot of people think vegans eat only celery and carrots". In LA's hipster Silver Lake neighbourhood, Donut Farm sells sugary, fried confections just like every other donut shop, but their treats in trendy flavours like green tea and salted caramel are vegan. "I think a vegan option is still going to be a bit more healthier," said sales person Chris Boss, who said the bakery's recipes call for organic flours and sugar, and ingredients like coconut milk. The treats do have less cholesterol and no trans-fats, he added. But at the end of the day, "it's a ball of fried dough with lots of calories," Boss said. 'Horror and compassion' Many converts to veganism cite health reasons, but support for animal rights remains a key motivation. "Usually it's with horror at how our factory farming works," said Annie Jubb, a vegan lifestyle consultant. "It's motivated by horror and compassion." But Jubb admits that not all vegans are healthy. "They could be eating chips and fried food," she said. "Eating soy burgers, soy bacon three times a day soy is not a health food." The orthodox vegan, who counts Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio as one of her past clients, allows herself the occasional indulgence, ordering in a comfort food staple: vegan mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. "We're in this business to provide people healthy, nourishing food," said Ryland Engelhart, co-owner of Cafe Gratitude, a California chain of "plant-based" restaurants serving dishes like faux chorizo sandwiches and chocolate-pollen smoothies. "But you can't expect people to jump overnight to a diet of kelp noodle salad with bean sprouts and sauteed tempeh," he said. Still, Engelhart said, vegans need to be careful to maintain a balanced diet just like everyone else. "It can get to a point where we're not just transitioning people, but maintaining them into being satiated by non-meat junk food," he said. "It is still junk food." The Cafe Gratitude team, though, leans medicinal: at its sister restaurant, the Mexican-themed Gracias Madre, cocktails include ingredients like essential oil of cannabis. "We are all about plants, right?" said Engelhart with a smile. (AFP)

Beyond wheatgrass: Vegan junk food is in vogue

Pakistan&#39;s lonely elephant Kaavan has become the subject of a high-profile rights campaign backed by music icon Cher, but efforts to improve the pachyderm&#39;s lot appear limited. 
 
The 32-year-old Asian elephant is suffering from &quot;mental illness&quot;, and without a better habitat his future is bleak even if a long-promised new mate finally arrives, experts told AFP. 
 
Outrage over Kaavan&#39;s treatment went global with a petition garnering over 200,000 signatures after it emerged he was being chained at the Islamabad Zoo in Pakistan&#39;s leafy capital. 
 
Zoo officials have said this is no longer the case, and that Kaavan just needs a new mate after his previous partner died in 2012. 
But his behaviour, including signs of distress such as bobbing his head repeatedly, demonstrates &quot;a kind of mental illness&quot;, said Safwan Shahab Ahmad, the vice chairman of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation. 
 
Ahmad, who has conducted detailed research on Kaavan since the 1990s, also slammed the lack of trained experts to care for the elephant, saying he needs more space and a pen better adapted to his natural forest habitat.&nbsp; 
 
Activists say he has insufficient shelter from Islamabad&#39;s searing summer temperatures, which can rise to above 40 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). 
 
Asian elephants can roam thousands of kilometres through deep tropical and subtropical forests, according to the World Wildlife Fund. 
In contrast, Kaavan&#39;s 90 by 140 metre (100 by 150 yard) pen has almost no foliage, and only limited shade is provided. 
 
&quot;Give Kaavan deep bushes and artificial showering and you will see him enjoying the environment,&quot; said Ahmad, who has written several research papers on the elephant. 
 
Ahmad was backed by mammalogy expert Dr Wasim Ahmad Khan, who said captivity &quot;will shorten his life if we don&#39;t take care of his environment&quot;. 
 
Arriving as a one-year-old in 1985 from Sri Lanka, Kaavan was temporarily held in chains in 2002 because zookeepers were concerned about increasingly violent tendencies, but he was freed later that year after an outcry. 
 
His mate Saheli, who arrived also from Sri Lanka in 1990, died in 2012, and last year it emerged that Kaavan was regularly being chained once more for several hours a day. 
 
Scores of people signed a petition sent to zoo authorities and Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in protest, and the zoo told AFP during a visit earlier this month that the elephant is no longer being restrained. 
 
A second petition circulated earlier this year and backed by over 200,000 animal-lovers from across the globe, demanded Kaavan&#39;s release to a sanctuary.&nbsp; 
 
Cher, who for months has been speaking out about Kaavan&#39;s plight, tweeted a series of images on June 29 showing Kaavan standing by an artificial pond, part of a new moat encircling his enclosure. 
 
&quot;KAAVAN UNCHANED &amp; WALKING TO WATER, WE ARE CLOSE TO SAVING HIM&quot; the singer tweeted. 
 
But the zoo, run by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), hit back at the accusations, saying Kaavan was just lonely and in need of a new mate.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It was in November last year that we unchained Kaavan after allocating a much bigger space for him in the zoo and developing necessary infrastructure for his free movements,&quot; the CDA&#39;s deputy director general Iftikhar Awan, who is responsible for the zoo, told AFP. 
 
The zoo is in negotiations with Sri Lanka over a new mate for Kaavan, he added, though he could not give a timeline. 
 
Pakistani media have also upped the pressure on zoo authorities after an ostrich died there in May. 
 
&quot;We are waiting for a report that will disclose the reasons for ostrich&#39;s death,&quot; the zoo&#39;s deputy director Dr Muhammad Bilal told AFP. 
Kaavan&#39;s keeper maintains that the pachyderm is not being mistreated -- but just longs for company.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Bring a female elephant and you will see very positive changes in Kaavan,&quot; keeper Jalal-ud-din Ahmad told AFP. 
 
(AFP)

Not even a petition signed by 200,000 people and backing from music icon Cher can lift Kaavan's mood

Pakistan's lonely elephant Kaavan has become the subject of a high-profile rights campaign backed by music icon Cher, but efforts to improve the pachyderm's lot appear limited. The 32-year-old Asian elephant is suffering from "mental illness", and without a better habitat his future is bleak even if a long-promised new mate finally arrives, experts told AFP. Outrage over Kaavan's treatment went global with a petition garnering over 200,000 signatures after it emerged he was being chained at the Islamabad Zoo in Pakistan's leafy capital. Zoo officials have said this is no longer the case, and that Kaavan just needs a new mate after his previous partner died in 2012. But his behaviour, including signs of distress such as bobbing his head repeatedly, demonstrates "a kind of mental illness", said Safwan Shahab Ahmad, the vice chairman of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation. Ahmad, who has conducted detailed research on Kaavan since the 1990s, also slammed the lack of trained experts to care for the elephant, saying he needs more space and a pen better adapted to his natural forest habitat. Activists say he has insufficient shelter from Islamabad's searing summer temperatures, which can rise to above 40 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). Asian elephants can roam thousands of kilometres through deep tropical and subtropical forests, according to the World Wildlife Fund. In contrast, Kaavan's 90 by 140 metre (100 by 150 yard) pen has almost no foliage, and only limited shade is provided. "Give Kaavan deep bushes and artificial showering and you will see him enjoying the environment," said Ahmad, who has written several research papers on the elephant. Ahmad was backed by mammalogy expert Dr Wasim Ahmad Khan, who said captivity "will shorten his life if we don't take care of his environment". Arriving as a one-year-old in 1985 from Sri Lanka, Kaavan was temporarily held in chains in 2002 because zookeepers were concerned about increasingly violent tendencies, but he was freed later that year after an outcry. His mate Saheli, who arrived also from Sri Lanka in 1990, died in 2012, and last year it emerged that Kaavan was regularly being chained once more for several hours a day. Scores of people signed a petition sent to zoo authorities and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in protest, and the zoo told AFP during a visit earlier this month that the elephant is no longer being restrained. A second petition circulated earlier this year and backed by over 200,000 animal-lovers from across the globe, demanded Kaavan's release to a sanctuary. Cher, who for months has been speaking out about Kaavan's plight, tweeted a series of images on June 29 showing Kaavan standing by an artificial pond, part of a new moat encircling his enclosure. "KAAVAN UNCHANED & WALKING TO WATER, WE ARE CLOSE TO SAVING HIM" the singer tweeted. But the zoo, run by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), hit back at the accusations, saying Kaavan was just lonely and in need of a new mate. "It was in November last year that we unchained Kaavan after allocating a much bigger space for him in the zoo and developing necessary infrastructure for his free movements," the CDA's deputy director general Iftikhar Awan, who is responsible for the zoo, told AFP. The zoo is in negotiations with Sri Lanka over a new mate for Kaavan, he added, though he could not give a timeline. Pakistani media have also upped the pressure on zoo authorities after an ostrich died there in May. "We are waiting for a report that will disclose the reasons for ostrich's death," the zoo's deputy director Dr Muhammad Bilal told AFP. Kaavan's keeper maintains that the pachyderm is not being mistreated -- but just longs for company. "Bring a female elephant and you will see very positive changes in Kaavan," keeper Jalal-ud-din Ahmad told AFP. (AFP)

Pakistan's lonely elephant suffering from 'mental illness', say experts

Animal rights activists calling for an end to the slaughter and eating of dogs at a Chinese festival delivered a petition with 11 million signatures to authorities in Beijing on Friday. 
 
The two dozen activists were accompanied by dogs, and unveiled banners with pictures of the animals above the message &quot;I&#39;m not your dinner&quot; as they presented the petition at the representative office of Yulin city, where the festival is held. 
 
The annual festival, which is set to begin on June 21, sees residents of the southern city consume dog meat with thousands of dogs expected to be slaughtered. 
 
Supporters of the festival say dog meat is good for your health at the hottest time of the year and eating the animals is no different from consuming any other meat. 
 
But pictures of caged or slaughtered dogs posted online have outraged many people, with domestic and international organisations behind the petition calling for the festival to be stopped. 
 
The campaign against the festival has received celebrity backing from British comedian Ricky Gervais and U.S. actor Ian Somerhalder. 
 
In 2014, the Yulin government distanced itself from the festival, saying it was staged by private business people and did not have &nbsp;official support.

Thousands of dogs expected to be slaughtered at Yulin gala. Supporters say meat is good for you, no different from eating any other meat

Animal rights activists calling for an end to the slaughter and eating of dogs at a Chinese festival delivered a petition with 11 million signatures to authorities in Beijing on Friday. The two dozen activists were accompanied by dogs, and unveiled banners with pictures of the animals above the message "I'm not your dinner" as they presented the petition at the representative office of Yulin city, where the festival is held. The annual festival, which is set to begin on June 21, sees residents of the southern city consume dog meat with thousands of dogs expected to be slaughtered. Supporters of the festival say dog meat is good for your health at the hottest time of the year and eating the animals is no different from consuming any other meat. But pictures of caged or slaughtered dogs posted online have outraged many people, with domestic and international organisations behind the petition calling for the festival to be stopped. The campaign against the festival has received celebrity backing from British comedian Ricky Gervais and U.S. actor Ian Somerhalder. In 2014, the Yulin government distanced itself from the festival, saying it was staged by private business people and did not have official support.

Just say no: Protesters against China dog meat festival deliver petition with 11 million signatures to authorities

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