Britons Yvonne Taylor (L), 35, and Lucy Groom, 27, from campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), hold a protest to urge Kazakhs to go vegetarian near the Independence monument in Almaty December 12, 2006. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

In a Strange Message, Britons Urge Kazakhs Not to Eat Meat

Two British animal rights activists dressed in lettuce bikinis braved the winter chill in the Kazakh commercial capital Almaty on December 12 to urge Kazakhs to stop eating meat and turn vegetarian.

The activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, said they were inspired by the spoof movie "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," but said their message was positive.

"We come with a positive message: how to live a healthier, longer life," said Yvonne Taylor, one of the two Lettuce Ladies, her teeth chattering as they stood in Almaty’s main square in freezing temperatures, as reported by the Associated Press.

Regarding the two activists in Kazakhstan, PETA said in a statement, "The scantily clad beauties are asking the people of Almaty to mark the New Year by switching from dishes like beshbarmak (horse meat and noodles) and zhambas (baked sheep’s head) to healthy and humane meatless alternatives." (For the record, baked sheep’s head is called bas, while zhambas refers to a thigh, which is also served for distinguished guests.)

The activists held small Kazakh national flags and signs that read: "Let Vegetarianism Grow in You."

"We are OK, just about," said activist Lucy Groom by the end of their 30 minute action. "We are suffering because we care about animals. We believe that people of Kazakhstan also care about animals."