New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The cows did not moo, the sheep did not bleat but only pleaded with people of Goa to steer clear of fur and leather and to “save our skin” this Christmas. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activists, dressed in animal costumes and Christmas caps, staged a protest in Panjim Thursday against the cruelty of the leather industry and pleaded with Goans to go in for natural fibre and synthetic material instead.

The activists, wearing cow, rabbit and sheep costumes and Christmas caps, held signs reading “Bring Joy to Our World Too - Don’t Kill Us for Our Skins!” during the demonstration opposite the office of the Captain of the Port.

“Wearing animal skins is no way to spread the joy and goodwill of Christmas”, a PETA press release quoted activist Surbhi Arora as saying.

Arora said with all the stylish and comfortable natural fibre - including cotton, jute and satin - and a wide array of synthetics available, there was no excuse to buy or wear the skins of animals.

“Buying leather contributes directly to the abuse of animals in abattoirs. The vast majority of cows, sheep, goats and pigs who are raised and killed for their skin suffer painful body mutilations, deprivation, physical abuse and cruel treatment during transport and slaughter”, she claimed.