'Strictly Come Dancing' Urged To Remove Feathers From Costumes

Animal rights activists have urged the BBC to remove feathers from 'Strictly Come Dancing' costumes following concerns about animal cruelty.

Peta has written to the broadcaster calling for an end to the use of feathers in the show's costumes, claiming that they are obtained from birds who are subjected to cruel and unnecessary suffering. Feathers ripped out before they are fully grown are extremely painful.

The animal rights group has also highlighted reports that some birds are killed so that their feathers can be used in the fashion industry. "We are calling on the BBC to show compassion for animals and to set an example by removing feathers from 'Strictly Come Dancing' costumes," said Peta Director Elisa Allen. "There is no excuse for causing animals to suffer for the sake of fashion or entertainment."

A BBC spokesperson said: "We take the welfare of animals very seriously and we are committed to ensuring that all animals used in our productions are treated with care and respect. We will be reviewing Peta's letter and will respond to them in due course."

Peta has previously called for other TV shows to stop using feathers in their costumes. In 2021, the group wrote to ITV asking them to remove feathers from the costumes of 'Dancing on Ice'. ITV has yet to respond to Peta's request.

The use of feathers in the fashion industry has been criticized by animal rights activists for many years. In 2019, a report by the industry watchdog PETA Asia revealed that birds on feather farms in China are subjected to horrific abuse, including being plucked alive and left to die in agony.

A growing number of brands are now choosing to use cruelty-free alternatives to feathers. In 2020, the luxury fashion house Gucci announced that it would stop using fur and feathers in its products. Other brands that have pledged to go fur-free include Chanel, Burberry, and Versace.

Peta is urging the BBC to follow the lead of these brands and to remove feathers from 'Strictly Come Dancing' costumes. "The BBC has a responsibility to use its influence to promote compassion for animals," said Allen. "We hope that they will listen to our concerns and make the right decision."