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Animal Rights Activist Hayden Panettiere’s Calfskin Handbag Project Confuses PETA

PETA and other animal welfare groups are confused by Hayden Panettiere, vegetarian and animal rights campaigner, who is working with leather goods manufacturer Dooney & Bourke on a signature bag available this Spring.

The 19-year-old “Heroes” star, who is actively campaigning against the slaughter of dolphins and whales in Japan, collaborated with Dooney and Burke on “The Hayden Clutch,” which uses “soft supple Italian calfskin and trimmed with gold leather piping,” and will be part of their Spring 2009 collection.

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Animals rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has mixed feelings about the actress’ new endeavor.

“When celebrities get involved with animal rights in any way, we’re happy to work with them. Even if it’s on just one issue. Hayden has been wonderful on issues involving the slaughter of dolphins and whales.” Heather Carlson, media rep for PETA said in a statement.

“We are sure that she’ll extend her concern for abused animals to those less popular, like cows who are skinned for bags and shoes, once she sees our undercover footage, which we’ll be sending to her.”

PETA awarded a “Compassion in Action Award” to Hayden last year for her efforts to stop the dolphin slaughter in Japan.

Photo Credit: chaubaby on Flickr under Creative Commons license.

Written by Melissa Elliott

Melissa Elliott is a freelance writer based in San Francisco. Her personal blog, TheUrbanHousewife.com, documents her culinary adventures from her kitchen to vegan food around the world. When she's not glued to her computer or on the road, she loves to spend time with her husband, Ryan, cats Beamish & Scurvy, and beloved chihuahua, Strummer.

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