Watch out Reese Witherspoon, PETA Patrol is on your tail!
The animal activists who named Reese one of the world’s sexiest vegetarians in 2006 are not happy with the actress’ accessory: a $4,000 Chloe python purse.
The purse is upsetting the activists and, get this — the bag is illegal in the state of California!
PHOTOS: Angela Simmons Bites The Apple For PETA!
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals drew their claws today after Reese was photographed out and about in Cali toting her python purse.
PETA, in their normal confrontational tone, did not spare the details when they cited all things wrong with Witherspoon’s fashion accessory.
“Hoses are inserted into the mouths of large snakes—like pythons—and their bodies are pumped full of water to loosen their skin so that it will cut away more easily. The animals’ peeled, writhing bodies are then discarded, and it often takes days for the animals to die from the effects of shock and dehydration. We can’t imagine that she’d wish to contribute to this hidden suffering, especially for something as frivolous as a fashion accessory that can be replicated with no bloodshed.”
PHOTOS: Reese Witherspoon Hospitalized After Car Accident!
According to RadarOnline, under the California Penal Code Section 6530, it is unlawful to import python into California for commercial purposes. This includes possession with intent to sell, or sale within the state.
However, it is not illegal if someone purchases python elsewhere and brings it in, as Reese did.
Elle Woods would be catching a hissy fit in her pink pumps if she knew of Reese’s behavior!
UPDATE!
After hearing about Reese’s python bag, PETA immediately rushed its video exposé http://bit.ly/pXLJMD of the exotic-skins industry to Reese. Hosted by her Walk the Line co-star Joaquin Phoenix, the video describes how snakes and other reptiles are often skinned alive and how they suffer slow, painful deaths for the sake of fashion. Thankfully, Reese has just informed PETA that she will no longer carry the bag.
“We’ve long known Reese to be a kind person, so we’re pleased—and not surprised—that she is hanging up her python bag for good,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “We hope Reese’s honest mistake will serve as a reminder for all of us to be extra-certain that what we’re buying is mock crock or fake snake.”
PETA is sending flowers to Reese as a thank-you for her compassionate decision.
