18. 06. 09. - 11:00

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18. 06. 09. - 11:00

Kampusch supports animal rights group PETA

By Thomas Hochwarter

Kidnapping victim Natascha Kampusch is supporting the animal-rights organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), it emerged today (Thurs).

The 21-year-old, who was locked in a cellar for eight years, has sent a letter to German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner asking her to help free wild animals caged at circuses.

Kampusch wrote: "It is up to you whether social, intelligent and wonderful creatures will be freed from the chains and cages in which ruthless people keep them.

"The animals would, if they could, flee – as I did, because a life in captivity is a life full of deprivation."

Kampusch decided to support PETA in Germany since, as organisers explained, the country had yet to introduce laws prohibiting the caging of wild animals.

A spokesman for the activists said: "Many other European countries, including Austria, have had such regulations for a long time, but Germany hasn’t – and those travelling companies (circuses) cannot guarantee animals are treated properly."

Kampusch escaped from a basement in Strasshof, Lower Austria, in August 2006 after having been kidnapped and held there for eight years by pervert Wolfgang Priklopil. She went on to host a TV show on private broadcaster Puls 4 that was axed after just a few editions.

PETA hit the headlines in the past when A-list celebs posed naked or half-naked to make people aware of the desperate situation of some animals. When Naomi Campbell and other supermodels signed up for PETA's anti-fur campaign, they stripped, saying they'd rather wear nothing than wear animal pelts.

It is not known whether Kampusch will do so as well. "Further campaigns are possible but not arranged," it was announced.

Lena Gercke, winner of the first series of TV hit "Germany’s Next Topmodel," and singer Udo Lindenberg have appealed to the minister to take action.

Austrian Times

Related articles: Natascha Kampusch

1. ATV to air Kampusch documentary

   » General News 2010-01-15

   Private broadcaster ATV has sensationally secured the rights to screen an eagerly awaited documentary on Natascha Kampusch’s eight-year cellar ordeal.

2. Kampusch dad doubts kidnapper acted alone

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   Kidnap victim Natascha Kampusch’s dad has said he doubts his daughter’s kidnapper acted alone.

3. Police admit mistakes as Kampusch case investigations end

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