Animal passion

AS CHRISTMAS approaches, reindeer, donkeys and even camels are being transported up and down the land to be used as entertainment in parades, Nativity plays, Santa’s grottos and other festive events.

Such events attract crowds of people but put the animals under severe stress and cause health problems. According to research at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the increase in deaths of young reindeer was likely to be linked to bad diet, poor welfare and the stress of being uprooted from their natural habitat.

Invariably, many animals used in parades suffer long periods of confinement, gruelling journeys to the events in which they will be used and stress from being paraded or even ridden in public. If people want to do their bit for animal welfare this Christmas they should choose entertainment that does not involve the use of animals.

Fiona Pereira

Animal Aid

Bradford Street

Tonbridge, Kent