Killing Canadian Black Bears for The Queen's Guards' Caps Must Stop, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
May 21, 2012
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Toronto, ON -- Wearing a bear costume and holding a sign that reads, "God Save the Bears!" a PETA representative will lead a protest against Britain's killing of black bears for The Queen's Guards' ceremonial caps as Prince Charles and Camilla visit Toronto for the Canada Diamond-Jubilee tour on Tuesday. The PETA representative will begin the protest at 10 a.m. in Queen's Park and trail Prince Charles and Camilla throughout the day. PETA U.K. has presented the Ministry of Defence with several cap alternatives made from the finest faux furs available, but the group has met with one excuse after another.
When: Tuesday, May 22, 9 a.m.
Where: Queen's Park, Toronto
"We wish that Charles would channel some of his passion for the environment into compassion for the hundreds of bears maimed and killed for nothing more than a ceremonial hat," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "No tradition on Earth can justify this cruelty."
It can take one bear's entire hide to make just one guard's hat. The skins come from Canadian black bears who are often shot several times before they die. Some escape the hunters and bleed to death. When mother bears are killed, orphaned cubs are left behind to starve. Many high-profile supporters—including Sir Roger Moore, Morrissey, Stella McCartney, Pamela Anderson, Twiggy, and Ricky Gervais—have joined PETA U.K. in calling for a ban on the use of bear fur in The Queen's Guards' headwear.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.