Strictly Come Dancing slammed by animal rights charity for ‘cruel and gory’ element to their costumes

Strictly Come Dancing is under fire from an animal rights charity for using real animal fur and feathers in their costumes.

The charity PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has written to the BBC, which produces the show, asking them to ban the use of animal products in their costumes.

In a letter to the BBC, PETA’s Director of Corporate Projects, Yvonne Taylor, said: “We are writing to you today to express our concern about the use of real animal fur and feathers in the costumes on Strictly Come Dancing.”

“As you know, animals are not ours to exploit for entertainment. They are sentient beings who deserve our compassion and respect.”

“The use of real animal fur and feathers in costumes is cruel and unnecessary. There are many beautiful and sustainable alternatives available that do not involve harming animals.”

“We urge you to reconsider your use of animal products in the costumes on Strictly Come Dancing. By doing so, you would be sending a powerful message that animals are not mere props, and that their lives are worth more than a few moments of entertainment.”

The BBC has not yet responded to PETA’s letter. However, a spokesperson for the show said that they are “always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the environment.”

“We are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure that the materials used in our costumes are sustainable and ethically sourced,” the spokesperson said.

PETA is not the only organization that has criticized Strictly Come Dancing for its use of animal products.

In 2019, the animal rights group Viva! launched a campaign calling on the BBC to ban the use of real fur and feathers in the show’s costumes.

Viva!’s campaign was supported by a number of celebrities, including Ricky Gervais, Peter Egan, and Joanna Lumley.

The BBC has not yet banned the use of animal products in Strictly Come Dancing costumes. However, the show’s producers have said that they are “looking at ways to reduce our impact on the environment.”

It remains to be seen whether the BBC will ban the use of animal products in Strictly Come Dancing costumes. However, the pressure from PETA and other animal rights groups is growing.

It is possible that the BBC will eventually decide to ban the use of animal products in the show’s costumes. If they do, it would be a significant victory for animal rights activists.