Nude Vet calendar gone for good

This year will be the first time Massey’s Vet School does not produce its signature “Barely There” calendar as part of its fundraising for halfway day. 

The class of 2023 were first told near the beginning of 2020 that they would not be allowed to produce the calendar after a controversy over another vet school’s nude calendar in the UK. 

Near the end of 2019, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) landed in hot water with online vegan activists for its own nude calendar, which featured naked vets posed holding sheep. Some commenters believed the pictures were animal cruelty. One post referred to the pictures as “bestiality”, and the school and students received personal threats online. 

The controversy led to RVC removing the offending parts of the calendar. The Massey Vet School decision to stop doing the Barely There calendar only a few months later was made to protect Massey’s vet students from being at risk of being attacked. 

The calendar had been a yearly tradition for about 15 years, with a portion of proceeds going to different charities. 

Vet student Eloise said it was a shock to hear the news. 

“We were the first year not allowed to do the naked vet calendar which was kinda upsetting because it’s such a tradition,” Eloise said. 

Vet student Kiana said she was looking forward to the calendar and she was angry it was cancelled. 

“It’s pretty much gone. We tried suggesting doing the calendar in togs or minimal clothing, but they still said no,” Kiana said. 

The class have made alternative fundraisers to make up for it, including the sale of handmade masks, art, and tea towels.