PETA WATCH

* The hunt to find burqa-shy Muslim chicks is on! PETA has announced it is seeking to base two campaigners in the Middle East where it hopes to offend local sensibilities - sorry 'strengthen animal welfare laws'. Let's hope it doesn't descend into farce as did the pressure group's last outing in Jordan last year.

* HALF-NUDE PETA protesters were caught swanning around in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday protesting against the use of animal skins. Holding a sign reading: "Bare Skin, Don't Wear Skin", the two women drew attention from local folk clearly dedicated to their cause. "I just heard there was a naked lady out here," said Kelvin Anderson, who works downtown in Shreveport. "So I came to see if it was true."

* PETA has weighed in on a camel race to be held at a festival in Tara southern Queensland, Australia. Advised PETA spokesman Des Bellamy: "Well the thing about Tara is it's a festival of culture, so ... it's not like they're just dependent on the camels," he said. Okay. In related news the lobby group has also demanded an end to the 41 year old Alice Springs Camel Cup which was immediately rejected by organizer Ian Rowan. " "The camels are looked after like kings and queens," he replied.