Frog Kit Croaks Its Last
By Steve Robinson
The upmarket menswear store Jack Spade is known for its sharp suits and Italian calfskin passport holders. Except this Christmas, when they decided to offer something a little different - a frog dissection kit.
The New York shop decided to offer the $40 kit for the festive period, which includes scissors, a magnifying glass, forceps, and yes, a real frog (albeit treated in formaldehyde). It also comes with a booklet on how to explore the insides of the amphibian.
"The intent was to celebrate science and biology, present something educational for children and adults," the company spokesman drawled, after only selling a handful of kits before its withdrawal. "Jack Spade doesn't support the unethical treatment of animals."
.jpg)
The SoHo-based shop has seen their good idea flounder and they have since been forced to withdraw the product following a series of complaints, lead by consumers and animal activists.
The animal campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were outraged at the product, claiming they were "shocked to discover that the dissection kit [contained] the carcass of a real frog."
Perhaps shoppers thought the inclusion of a real frog crossed the line of decency. Or perhaps it was the notion that they were shopping for fancy suits very near to a pile of dead frogs. Either way, the kits - not unlike their occupants - have finally croaked.
To find out more about Steve or read more of his articles click here.
The New York shop decided to offer the $40 kit for the festive period, which includes scissors, a magnifying glass, forceps, and yes, a real frog (albeit treated in formaldehyde). It also comes with a booklet on how to explore the insides of the amphibian.
"The intent was to celebrate science and biology, present something educational for children and adults," the company spokesman drawled, after only selling a handful of kits before its withdrawal. "Jack Spade doesn't support the unethical treatment of animals."
The SoHo-based shop has seen their good idea flounder and they have since been forced to withdraw the product following a series of complaints, lead by consumers and animal activists.
The animal campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were outraged at the product, claiming they were "shocked to discover that the dissection kit [contained] the carcass of a real frog."
Perhaps shoppers thought the inclusion of a real frog crossed the line of decency. Or perhaps it was the notion that they were shopping for fancy suits very near to a pile of dead frogs. Either way, the kits - not unlike their occupants - have finally croaked.
To find out more about Steve or read more of his articles click here.
Image: Marie Jeanne Iliescu
Share this
