RSPCA takes down Julia Gillard dog chew toy
AN RSPCA pet store has removed a Julia Gillard dog chew toy from shelves after being flooded with complaints.
RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty SAID the toys had been mistakenly taken out of storage by a volunteer at the Wacol store.
"About six years ago we had Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard toys which we sold," he said.
The Abbott dolls sold out, but there were a number of Gillard toys left over, which were packed away in storage.
Creator of the Julia Gillard dog toy says anger is just political correctness. A Tony Abbott toy was also made https://t.co/La7TQMRrlT
— Lisa Barnes (@Barnsy_Lisa) August 22, 2016
The RSPCA was hit with criticism on social media, and from several women's equality groups after The Courier-Mail revealed the caricatures of Australia's first female prime minister were being sold for $20.
1st female PM Julia Gillard objectified as dog chew toy by @RSPCAQld. V poor. Get it off the shelves now. https://t.co/MnKg6rhJn6 #auspol
— Brent Davidson (@Brentus88) August 21, 2016
Women's Electoral Lobby convener Jozefa Sobski said she was deeply offended by the RSPCA's decision to turn an accomplished former member of parliament into a plaything for a pet.
"Surely they have other creatures they can use as toys, this is just repugnant," Ms Sobski said.
"It is disrespectful to the former prime minister, and I believe it is designed and sold to be disrespectful."
Julia Gillard objectified as dog chew toy by RSPCA Queensland | The Courier-Mail. You've gone too far RSPCA #dignity https://t.co/GRvkTFg1rb
— Henry Palaszczuk (@HenryPalaszczuk) August 21, 2016
