Hello NewsHounds, this week’s round up features Justine Jenkins (make-up artist and cruelty free cosmetic ambassador), Sir David Amess MP, Christmas TV guide for pets and an update from the PAAW team.
Justine Jenkins – Cruelty Free Make Up
As animal lovers its common sense that we would choose cruelty free products? Its not always quite that simple though, lack of transparency, misleading labels, busy lives. I know I’ve been unintentionally guilty of all of the above. Its great to see to high profile, cruelty free ambassadors like Justine Jenkins shining a spotlight on these issues.
Justine is a highly acclaimed makeup artist & beauty writer and a cruelty free cosmetic ambassador working alongside charities such as The Humane Society and PETA. Justine says “My interest in natural and organic products has always been a passion. Whilst on a natural cosmetics course, I discovered that animal testing was still very much a part of the beauty industry. I was so shocked that I knew I had to do something. As a make-up artist, if I could become cruelty free and still do the same quality work on editorial shoots and red carpet, then anyone could be cruelty free. It’s a matter of awareness and choice.
I support cruelty free brands as I believe animal testing is an extremely cruel and outdated method of testing. At first it was tricky as I had to replace many of the products that I’d relied on for years. I had to do a lot of research, but the amazing outcome is that I’ve discovered incredible products and brands that maybe I never would’ve done before. Yes, it can be frustrating when big brands bring out new exciting products that I won’t use, but I just remind myself of the images and videos that I’ve seen highlighting the extreme cruelty to animals that these brands condone, and once you’ve seen them, there’s no going back. It makes me even more determined to raise awareness and pioneer cruelty free beauty. Being invited to be the Beauty Ambassador for Humane Society Internationals Be Cruelty Free campaign was a great honour. I’m proud to say that the words ‘cruelty free’ are now openly discussed, and I’d like to think that I’ve been part of opening up that discussion and raising awareness.
I love being part of such an important change in my industry. Since 2013 it is against European Law to sell a product in Europe that has been tested on animals. This is a wonderful change in the law, however at present, Brussels has no fool proof way of policing it. This law only applies to Europe, so if that same brand sells in mainland China, then it is agreeing to and paying for animal testing to be conducted on its products. This is why I only support brands that do not sell in mainland China.”
Doggy Bag Anyone – Bags: Inside Out at the V&A Museum
I must confess to being obsessed with handbags for as long as I can remember, these days they seem to be packed with poo bags and dog treats as opposed to make up and mirrors! As we continue to look forward to getting out and about we are excited about checking out a new exhibition at the Victoria & Albert museum. This month, the V&A opened Bags: Inside Out, the UK’s most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the ultimate accessory. Presenting a deep dive into the fascinating history of this not so humble accessory, from designer handbags to despatch boxes, vanity cases to military rucksacks, the exhibition will explore our longstanding fascination with the bag.
Featuring innovative designs from Mulberry to Karl Lagerfeld, bags carried by Vivien Leigh to Sarah Jessica Parker, the heritage of Hermès to the streetwear of Off-White; Bags: Inside Out provides an unprecedented look at this global obsession. We are looking forward to checking out a 17th century purse in the shape of a frog, Thom Browne’s handbag in the form of his dog Hector and a Chanel bag transformed into a milk carton which explore the surrealism and humors evoked through accessories. We are also excited to see ‘a look to the future’ with designers experimenting with innovative and environmentally sustainable materials including a Stella McCartney backpack made from recycled ocean plastic waste and a bag crafted from decommissioned fire hoses by our friends at Elvis and Kresse.
Pets In Parliament – Sir David Amess MP
Sir David Amess is Conservative MP for Southend West, he has been a member of Parliament since 1983, and often chairs debates in the House of Commons on various issues. He has been an advocate for animal welfare for more than three decades. Sir David says “From the very moment I entered Parliament, some 38 years ago now, I have consistently championed the cause of animal welfare. Animals are so import to me, my love of them is something I got from my own parents. Over the years I have kept all sorts of animals, not a lion, tiger or elephant though, my favourites are probably giraffes. Animals are not judgemental, not really moody, but are grateful for whatever you do for them, starting with feeding them.”
“I have railed against cruelty to animals throughout my life, it is simply wicked what some people will do. By and large in this country we enjoy high standards of animal welfare, long may we continue to work to improve every aspect of animal welfare and share it with the rest of the world. Looking after animals is such a good lesson for children, it invariably encourages them to continue to be kind and caring for the rest of their lives. Finally, I judge the quality of a civilization not just by how you look after human beings but on how you care for animals as well.”
News and Views – From Battersea to Sheffield
This week as HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall was visiting Battersea to open a new facility, to help the charity cope with an anticipated increase in unwanted puppy’s, animal charities and animal welfare campaigners were uniting, to appeal to BBC Three to reconsider the production of a new show entitled ‘Will My Puppies Make Me Rich’. Whilst we have a lot of revere for BBC Three content, particularly with regards to housing and homelessness, everything about this project from the title, to the concept and language used to promote it screams danger.
As charities, campaigners, parliamentarians, and animal lovers continue to push for improvements in animal and pet welfare there are so many topics that could provide constructive and educational content in this genre. Rising cases of pet theft, the cruel and harsh realities of puppy farming and illegal puppy imports, the need for animal welfare education in schools, problems facing people with pets looking for accommodation, the list is extensive. We do hope that BBC Three reconsider their stance on this production, changing the title is far from the answer, we all make mistakes, respect is earned by those who own them, put them right and move on, in our opinion!
https://www.change.org/p/bbc-stop-the-bbc-producing-new-program-will-my-puppies-make-me-rich?fbclid=IwAR1CaYx6p3aaenZxL7bcop61TgkdRykVv8oudQc6Y3OlhGd0U4FHDSuw_TA https://paaw.house/duchess-of-cornwall-visits-battersea-dogs-cats-home/
Update from the PAAW Crew
Hello friends, as the weeks go past, we find ourselves continuing to adapt to the new norms and taking time out to appreciate all the good things in life. Us pets have been busy keeping our humans sane, and on their toes! Vinnie had a visit to his favourite groomers, Groom Dog City, and is looking dapper for Christmas. Two hours for a haircut! Thankfully Columbia Road is packed with lots of quirky, independent shops which kept his humans busy while he was being pampered.
Bibi, Barry and Digby have been laying low and keeping out of trouble, they are all very excited about the PAAWstival Awards, which will be open for entry very soon. They’ve had a preview of proceedings and its paws of approval all round.
Burly also had a quiet week, he’s been chilling whilst his humans have been busy. Keep a look out on your local news stands over the next few weeks, you might just spot him in yet another leading publication! We are excited that Gremlin has joined the team, we will have a proper Christmas do’s and don’ts update from him next week.
Finally, we would all love our friends to enjoy and share our Christmas Advert in support of #JasminesLaw #APetInEveryHome. Woofs & Meows, The PAAW Crew x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UY7Ei_6xFk&feature=youtu.be
Grr Radio Times – TV Guide for Pets!
As the release of the Christmas edition of the Radio Times heralds the start of the festive period, Itch have decided to put together a guide to help our four-legged friends unwind over the festive period. Yes, you heard correctly, a TV guide for pets. With help from Dr. Robert Falconer-Taylor, the top dog in pet mental health, and Boyd Hilton, a paw-some TV critic, Itch have put together the purr-fect shows for our pets this Christmas. Dr. Falconer-Taylor says that cats and dogs can hear much higher frequency sounds than humans can.
The shows we’ve picked out have the perfect audio attributes to help drown out distracting noises and help your pets find some calm. The research also shows that music affects our pets’ emotional states in a similar way to humans, in an instant it can alter how they are feeling, meaning the right soundtrack can help turn a morose moggie into a content kittie. This means shows with epic scores like Strictly: The Christmas Countdown, which has been picked to feature in the Grr-Radio Times, are likely to keep pets calm in busy or unfamiliar houses during the holidays.
Similarly, it’s a popular belief that cats and dogs only see in black and white, which is actually untrue. Their vision is optimised for seeing moving objects in poor light, where the bright colours we are used to are more muted. All this means that fast paced and colourful spectaculars like Britain’s Got Talent at Christmas will help stimulate the senses and improve the overall mental wellness of your pets. The shows selected to feature in the Grr-Radio Times are all backed by research into pet behaviours, with sounds and visuals that are likely to help your pets have a well-deserved Petflix & chill.
StreetVet Christmas E Card
We do like to send the occasional card to very special people every now and then, but mostly we don’t do cards. We love an e-card though and a Christmas e-card from one of our favourite charities ticks all the boxes. Alli Norden has created a unique and beautifully illustrated e-Christmas card for StreetVet that encompasses everything the charity stands for: kindness, empathy and supporting the human animal bond that is so cherished by their homeless clients.
E-Christmas cards are very simple to use, all you need to do is follow the link below, select your preferred donation amount and you will then have access to send up to 100 e-cards. It’s a wonderful way to send a Christmas message to family and friends.
Plus, going green and not sending paper cards has the benefit of reducing the environmental impact of Christmas which can only be a good thing! The bespoke StreetVet card will also help spread awareness of the work they do and the message that homeless charities need support more than ever over the winter months. Check out their inspiring and heart-warming Christmas card here:
BookClub – Dogs Best Friend
PAAW House has been lucky to receive an advance copy of Dog’s Best Friend – A Brief History of an Unbreakable Bond by Internationally best-selling Author, Simon Garfield. Having lived with three dogs in his life, ‘Dog’s Best Friend’ draws on his unpredictably stupid Bassett Hound named Gus, a mud loving yellow Labrador called Chewy and Ludo his black Labrador. A wise and witty read, it opens with a question from Ludo asking: “Why am I here”? The journey that follows is an alternative history of humanity one that explores the universal desire for non-human companionship. Available 4th February 2021.
Gabby, Vinnie & The PAAW Crew
If you have something you would like to share with our members relating to pets, pet/animal welfare, pet friendly or your favourite pet brands get in touch at newshound@paaw.house
For updates and information on getting involved in PAAWstival you can contact paawstival@paaw.house. We welcome like-minded brands and businesses, who may like to feature on our online PAAWstival marketplace, take a stand at our live event or join our pack of sponsors.