People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA for short, is upset at One Direction for using a chimpanzee in their newest music video. As a result, they have reached out to the band to warn the boys not to use animals in future videos. Other animals featured in the video include a lion and Danny DeVito, both considered kings of their respective jungles.
PETA was not necessarily angry over the actual use of the chimpanzee and lion as living props in the video, but more so angry at the trainer One Direction chose to supply the animals. According to PETA, the trainer that provided Eli the chimp has violated terms of the United States Animal Welfare Act. As a result, PETA has suggested that One Direction never work with animals again, on stage or in videos. PETA has also urged the popular boy band to donate portions of their proceedings to an animal welfare charity to make up for the poor choice.
According to the video’s production company, Fulwell 73, the animal trainer was thoroughly vetted and came highly recommended. Their findings revealed that the trainer, Steve Martin, has had a successful 44-year career in his field, and has provided animals for high profile films like The Bourne Legacy and television shows like True Blood .
At this time, the boys of One Direct have avoided responding to PETA’s request, instead focusing on their On the Road Again tour that begins in 2015. A spokesperson for One Direction did respond, stating that the animals were not harmed in the making of the video.
“?No animals were hurt in the making of the 1D video and strict guidelines were adhered to.”
One Direction’s tour will take them to Europe, China, Australia, Japan, and more places across the world as they celebrate their fans during their performances. Niall Horan shared his excitement with Sky News .
“We could not be more excited about the new tour. We’ve started rehearsing songs from the new album and can’t wait for the fans to hear them live.”
He continued, “We’re just so very thankful to our amazingly loyal fans – they make it possible for us to play in these incredible places and continue to surprise us every day with their unwavering support.”
What are your thoughts on PETA’s approach to the use of the Chimpanzee and lion in the video? Has PETA overstepped their boundaries, or are they rightfully concerned?
[Photo Courtesy: Mirror U.K. ]