South African cricketer Wayne Parnell is all set to go shirtless in the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) new anti-circus ad in Mumbai.
The Pune Warriors bowler appears shirtless and bound by chains next to the words, "Try to Relate to Their Fate. Say NO to Animal Circuses".
"I choose to participate in sport, but the animals used in circuses aren't given any choice at all. Animals in circuses suffer a lifetime of abuse -- all for a few cheap tricks," Parnell said.
"Animals in circuses are subjected to chronic confinement, physical abuse and psychological torment. Whips and other tools -- including ankuses, which are heavy, steel-tipped rods -- are often used to inflict pain on animals and beat them into submission," PETA said in a statement.
"Animals perform confusing, unnatural tricks -- such as riding bicycles, standing on their heads or jumping through rings of fire not because they want to, but out of fear of this violent punishment," it added.