Macpherson panned for advocating rhino remedy
By IANSTuesday, July 6, 2010
MELBOURNE - Australian model Elle Macpherson has been criticised by animal rights groups for advocating the use of powdered rhino horn, a traditional Chinese medicine remedy which is banned worldwide by the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Asked in an interview why Macpherson takes powdered rhino horn, she replied, “Put it this way, (it) works for me”.
She went on to say that the rhino horn tasted “a little bit like crushed bone and fungus in a capsule…” but it “does the job though”.
Nicola Beynon, the Humane Society International’s senior program manager said she was appalled by Macpherson’s comments.
“The Humane Society International condemns the poaching of rhinos, particularly for their use in beauty products and Ms Macpherson’s actions are reprehensible,” news.com.au quoted Beynon as saying.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has also expressed their dismay over Macpherson’s comments that it has prepared an information package to send to her to educate her on the plight of the rhino and the use of alternative traditional medicines.
“There is no excuse for using any endangered animal products,” said Erica Martin, the organisation’s Asia-Pacific director.
“Elle has been a successful businesswoman with a high public profile for decades and people do listen to what she says. Elle needs to take responsibility for her comments and encourage people to look to sustainable alternative medicines,” Martin added.
