The organisation PETA Europe, dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals, has written to Pet Shop Boys with a request they are unable to agree to but nonetheless think raises an issue worth thinking about. Their Special Projects Manager, Yvonne Taylor, wrote the following letter:
“Dear Neil and Chris,
You have many loyal fans of the Pet Shop Boys here at PETA. We have a request that may at first seem bizarre, but we hope that after considering the following facts, you will understand why we are asking this of you: will you please consider changing your name from the Pet Shop Boys to the Rescue Shelter Boys?
Most dogs and cats sold in pet shops are sourced from profit-hungry breeders who may have bred them in cramped, filthy conditions. With an emphasis on quantity rather than quality, unmonitored genetic defects and personality disorders pass from one generation of puppies and kittens to the next. Many animals end up with abnormalities that result in both heartbreak and high veterinary bills for the unsuspecting people who buy them. For every bird who reaches a pet shop, three others have died during capture, confinement and transportation. Hamsters, mice and other rodents are often bred by the pet shops themselves, leading to inbreeding, genetic weaknesses, physical deformities and behavioural disorders.
Most pet-shop animals are kept in cages or runs that are far too small for their needs. Exercise is minimal, and they often never leave their cages until the day that they are sold. Nocturnal animals are displayed throughout the day under glaring lights. Predators, such as snakes, may be displayed alongside their prey. No screening is done to ensure the suitability of prospective guardians.
By agreeing to change your name to the Rescue Shelter Boys, you would help raise awareness about the cruelty involved in the pet trade and encourage your millions of fans to consider giving a home to an abandoned or unwanted animal from an animal shelter. So, what do you say?”
You can read more about PETA at the link below.
To accompany the release of Mark Springer’s “Sleep of Reason” album, which features Neil on vocals, a video for the opening track, “Phantoms and Monsters”, has been created by John Maybury and Daniel Goddard with footage from their forthcoming film “Confessions of a Pin Eye Zombie”. Link below.
Recent News
Pet Shop Boys are happy to reveal two new remixes for Tina Turner and The Hidden Cameras, both of which are released digitally today and available to hear now at the links below. Also Mark Springer’s new album “Sleep of Reason”, which includes a collaboration with Neil Tennant, is out now (see news story above).
Composer Mark Springer’s new album, “Sleep of Reason”, which includes a collaboration with Neil Tennant, is out now and available on double vinyl, CD and digitally at the link below.
Due to circumstances outside of our control, we regret that the forthcoming release of the Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live in Copenhagen Blu-ray/CD has to be postponed until August 1.
Pet Shop Boys’ “Discography” is being reissued on vinyl for the first time since its original release in 1991.
Pet Shop Boys can announce a new UK summer tour date. On Thursday, August 14th they will be performing in the grounds of the Sandringham Estate with very special guests, Scissor Sisters.
“Love comes quickly (Live at the Royal Arena Copenhagen 2023)” is now available to watch on YouTube.
Pet Shop Boys are happy to announce new 2025 gigs for their acclaimed tour, “Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live”.
Pet Shop Boys are very happy to announce their first two headline festival shows of 2025 at Kalorama Festival Lisbon on 19th June, and Kalorama Festival Madrid on 21st June.