Rudolph’s Christmas Wish

Source CAPS

In December, children all around the country sit down to write their Christmas lists for Santa Claus in the hope that, on Christmas morning, their wishes will come true and their stockings will be brimming with toys and trinkets. And each year on Christmas Eve these gifts are said to be delivered by the man himself, as he travels the world on a magic sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.

What do you think Santa’s reindeer might ask for if they were given one wish this Christmas?

Each year, as Christmas approaches, event organisers around the country begin to advertise live reindeer parades and shows. Often held in shopping centres, these animals which are perfectly adapted to live in huge herds in the cold arctic and sub arctic regions of the world are transported up and down the country to be placed in small pens under glaring lights, surrounded by people and noise for days on end. We believe that if Rudolph had a wish, it would be to stop the use of his friends in this way.

Often borne out of ignorance, when businesses planning live reindeer events are politely contacted by members of the public, they often make the right decision and commit to ensure that their Christmas celebrations do not feature live animals. This Christmas, we hope to spread the message far and wide to ensure that Rudolph’s wish comes true and we make these events a thing of the past.

And it’s not just reindeer. Penguins have also been used in the past by businesses for similar purposes. Please help us to ensure that Christmas this year is full of fun and free of animal exploitation.

A formal report compiled for Government by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) in July 2013[1] stated:

“There have been a number of reports of ill thrift and death in these animals due to poor management and their special dietary and environmental requirements. Reindeer are out with FAWC’s remit because they are not farmed but we strongly suggest their welfare should be considered further by the Government as they are particularly likely to be kept by inexperienced owners for commercial reasons”.

Christmas is still weeks away but events are planned well in advance so the time to act is now. Please help us to make Rudolph’s Christmas Wish come true by getting involved today!


What You Can Do

1. Make the pledge here that you will not attend any events which use live animals this Christmas.
2. Contact CAPS by emailing info@captiveanimals.org if you see a reindeer (or other animal) event advertised near you or if you are aware of a venue that has used animals in this way in previous years. This will help us to contact businesses and work with them to ensure that live animals do not form part of their plans.
3. If you find out about an event near you, use our template email to ask the venue to reconsider.
4. Ensure that you follow CAPS on Facebook and Twitter and look out for “Reindeer Action Alerts” which will be announced when we need you to take action by writing to companies who persist in using animals in their events.
5. Businesses using reindeer in events will be featured on our interactive map. Please check back regularly and contact new additions to raise concerns.
6. Share this campaign page and video with friends.

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we understand you christmas spirit,
all around the world, we
animals hear it.
but for those of us
used as holiday props,
we sadly fear it.
so please show us
some holiday cheer,
and leave us out of
your commercial
festivities,
this and each
following
year.

signed,
the animal kingdom

Karen Lyons Kalmenson