People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal’s (PETA) campaign for ending the use of animal skin in the fashion industry visited Chico Wednesday, Mar. 18.  The tour of PETA protestors gathered at the Chico City Plaza from 12p.m. to 1p.m. to peacefully protest and hand out leaflets advocating against killing animals for fashion.

The tour began in Santa Rosa and ended in Eureka.  The group of PETA employees and volunteers traveled throughout Northern California bringing awareness to the people through protest rallies, local radio and television shows. 

  “I grew up vegetarian and then in college I found out that leather and other animal skins aren’t a byproduct of meat,” said Jena Hunt, a PETA fashion campaigner.

Most leather is supplied from developing countries that do not have similar standards such as in the United States.  PETA believes the journeys the cows take are a slow torture that often ends in death before being slaughtered.  The tour featured Meggan Anderson, who bared her skin to raise interest in animal cruelty. 

 “I’ll do anything to help save animal skins.  I’m very comfortable in my skin, enough to educate people,” said Anderson.

Anderson’s semi-nude appearance caused people to stop at the protest and inquire more information about PETA’s cause.  

 “Wearing animal skins for vanity is never acceptable,” said volunteer Amanda Fortino.

For more information about protecting animal rights visit PETA.org and PETA2.org and become an active advocate.