A city based designer, who displayed a necklace with live fish inside, has invited the ire of animal lovers.
Designer also accused of plagiarism by another designer from Kuwait
A city based designer, who displayed a necklace with live fish inside, has invited the ire of animal lovers. Acting on a complaint by them, the Animal Welfare Board on India (AWBI) has threatened legal action if the design is displayed again.
Khar based designer Laksh Pahuja had showcased his innovative design using small fish moving inside a necklace at a gem and jewellery show held in the city on September 2. Taking strong objection to the design, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) dashed off a letter to the AWBI on September 7, said activist Anuradha Sawhney.
The AWBI took cognisance of the complaint and in a letter written signed by K Ramaswamy, consultant secretary, warned the designer against cruelty to animals.
“It is brought to our notice that you have designed a necklace in which live fingerlings (Fighter fish) have been used. This amounts to cruelty which is not permitted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. You are, therefore, requested to forthwith discontinue use of fish in the necklace design, failing which, we will be constrained to take legal proceedings against you,” the letter stated. When contacted, Pahuja confirmed the receipt of letter and said that the design would not be showcased again. “I have accepted the AWBI directive under protest.
I feel I have done no wrong. I am organising a live debate with PETA activists and officials from the AWBI to discuss the issue,” Pahuja added.
The design further created a controversy when a Kuwait-based designer Arshad Mohsin claimed that he had already showcased the design ‘living creature necklace’ during his visit to India in 1996.
“Yes, there was a controversy. I spoke to Mohsin and the misunderstanding was sorted out. I do not know why the animal activists are creating problems for a creative artist,” Pahuja added.
What’s that on your neck?
* It’s a neckpiece that replicates the seabed
* It’s got two live fish in it
* No, they don’t die in there or stink
* The fish are from nature lakes and ponds and not from the sea
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