PETA Slams Reese Witherspoon For Carrying Illegal Snakeskin Bag

Reese Witherspoon has been criticised by an animal rights group for buying a snakeskin bag.

The 'Water for Elephants' star was spotted in Venice, California, carrying the bag, which seems to be made from python, drawing attention from PETA.

A spokesperson for PETA said in a statement: "No matter how much Reese paid for that bag, the animals paid a much higher price.

"We can't imagine that she'd wish to contribute to this hidden suffering, especially for something as frivolous as a fashion accessory that can be replicated with no bloodshed."

The rep added: "These days, it's easy to have a look that kills without killing, with fake snake, mock croc, python pleather, and other designer items that pay tribute to the beauty of these animals without massacring them."

Adding to PETA's case is the fact it is illegal to buy this bag, a Paraty by Chloe (retailling at $4000), in the state of California, where Witherspoon - who was once voted by the organisation as the World's Sexiest Vegetarian - resides.

California Penal Code Section 6530 states that it is "unlawful to import python into California for commercial purposes."

However, should the bag have been bought out of state, and then brought in by the owner, then a loophole states that it is not considered illegal.

Reese Witherspoon...