Alicia Silverstone has taken part in a new PETA campaign exposing cruelty ducks and geese suffer for their feathers.

The 'Clueless' actress appears as a spokesperson for animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in its latest effort to shed light on the inhumane practices used to pluck birds' feathers to produce down, which is then used in clothing, pillows and bedding.

She said: ''No matter where it comes from, down is a product of cruelty to birds.''

In the video expose released today (14.12.12), the 36-year-old actress states the live birds often have their feathers roughly yanked out of their bodies by workers which tears their flesh, which is then sown back together with a needle and thread without administering painkillers to the animals.

The video further alleges some ducks and geese used for down are also used for foie gras production - which involves the creatures being force-fed to fatten their livers.

Alicia - who is a committed vegan and previous recipient of the Sexiest Female Vegetarian award - said: ''You can help stop this suffering by purchasing only down-free products and encouraging all your friends and family members to do the same. This is one simple way to make a huge difference for animals.

''Even in costumes I've said please don't use any feathers anywhere. I feel great not using down and feathers - there's no need for it at all.''