Pony painting parties spark outrage, campaign launched to ban the 'cruel, disturbing' trend
In the latest party trend, people are bringing ponies to the event and allowing small children and others to paint or draw over them. In a bid to make the party unique, many are unintentionally torturing animals and campaigners have branded the trend 'unnecessary cruelty' and want such events banned. At such parties, youngsters use special chalk-based paint to draw on the ponies. While some like to write their name, others just want to scribble on the animal. The people who support this party trend believe that it is harmless for the animal.
As reported by LADbible, some people believe that this trend provides therapy and helps children at centers for people with disabilities. However, PETA UK disagrees as they believe parents should be reminded that these animals are not "party props" to be used in such a way. "Pony painting parties are a disturbing trend popping up all over the UK. Imagine being tied up amidst shrieking laughter, unpredictable touching and having strangers smear your hair in the paint. Would you trade places?" read the post.
Sophie Tomlinson launched a petition on change.org to get the parties banned and it has since received 30,000 signatures. She further added, "Animals do not want to be grabbed at, shrieked at or painted on for human's enjoyment. Take a stand today TODAY to get this unnecessary cruelty banned!"
One campaigner also shared the post on Facebook to gain more attention as they noted, "It teaches us to objectify and use. It teaches us that if human animals are being made to feel happy, we can disregard the non-human animals. It's disgusting, disrespectful and unjust."
Another user commented on the post, "Strikes me kids should be taught the proper place for drawing is on paper not on beautiful animals - are parents so unable to provide stimulating and exciting play and entertainment these days."Another user added, "Don't know who is worse here parents for actually encouraging children to 'paint a pony' - or even think painting a pony is OK - or the owners of said ponies who allow their animals to be treated like this in order to make money."
However, some disagreed with this view, "If the horse didn't like it, it wouldn't be stood so chilled and eating its haynet. It's not bleach for god sake and easily washed off with a sponge." Another social media user pointed out that there was nothing to worry about as they noted, "For all you know the kids could be practicing the body parts of a horse, I did as a child. I also painted a skeleton onto my horse for Halloween. There is much more to life than worrying about kids playing with ponies."