14 DAY TRIAL // Not many months ago, the hottest accessory a woman could possibly have was, according to many self-titled fashionistas and celebrities, a tiny Chihuahua or similarly small dog, in a designer handbag made especially to accommodate its needs. Times have changed but, sadly, not many are the wiser for it, as the latest fashion craze in terms of accessories has a pygmy hedgehog as its piece de resistance, the Daily Mail informs.
Apparently, celebrities are buying this diminutive breed of hedgehogs and using it as a fashion accessory, to the consternation and indignation not only of animal rights activists, but also of common-sense people. Because they come in different colors as well, a fashionista with the adequate financial resources can even purchase several of these little animals and have them “match” different outfits and, of course, handbags.
“They fit snuggly into the palm of a hand and are as cute as a button. And that’s why the African pygmy hedgehog has – to the dismay of animal welfare campaigners – become the latest must-have handbag accessory. They are, apparently, the latest pet craze for the rich, including footballers’ wives and girlfriends, ousting the tiny dogs that were once carried in handbags. In fact, women have told breeders the mammals are the perfect accessory because they require less regular attention than dogs. Owners also love the fact the hedgehogs come in a variety of colors, from albino to apricot, chocolate and salt and pepper,” the Mail writes.
One such cute animal costs £250 to buy, which, for many, is not that high a price to pay in order to keep up with the latest trends. However, following it blindly means sending out the message that it’s ok to treat animals like objects, completely disregarding the fact that it too has a little heart and needs that must be seen to. Animal rights activists are terribly worried that this trend will also pick up, just like it happened with the dogs-as-accessories just recently and are, therefore, urging people to give the matter some serious thought before making a purchase.
“Pygmy hedgehogs are undoubtedly very cute, but animals aren’t accessories and promoting them as such is irresponsible. These are exotic animals whose needs are very difficult to meet in a household situation and where that’s the case, the RSPCA does not believe they should be kept,” Leanne Plumtree of the RSPCA says, as cited by the Mail. Janet Thornton of North West Animal Welfare Centre agrees, stressing that, “These are disgusting, deplorable people who swap and change their pets like their outfits.”