Vodafone's pugs make PETA pugnacious in India

Mobile provider Vodafone is facing criticism from PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) in India over a campaign that features the dog breed known as pugs. 

In the campaign, which launched in January, the brand brought the breed back to its advertising, where it had been an iconic mascot years ago. Ogilvy & Mather India created the latest campaign.

Two weeks ago, PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) sent a letter to Vodafone India CEO Sunil Sood, saying pugs are “not normal dogs” and are “always in pain” because they are a genetically compromised species with exaggerated features developed through breeding. The organisation argued that Vodafone should stop using pugs in its ads because doing so creates demand for the dogs and perpetuates breeding of animals who are bound to suffer.

Our colleagues in India have published a reaction to PETA's letter, followed by a followup from PETA's CEO.

Why PETA is wrong about the Vodafone pug
By Carol Goyal 
The author, a lawyer by qualification, tears into PETA's offensive against Vodafone's pug.

Vodafone should leave pugs out of its ads
By Manilal Valliyate, CEO of PETA India
As a pug guardian, I strongly encourage Goyal to educate herself on the serious and complex medical threats pugs face and to support businesses and organisations that work hard to safeguard animals.

We wonder if Hotels.com will be the next target. See "Millennials' best friend is Hotels.com's new mascot".