South Tyneside Christmas Event Under Fire for Plans to Feature Live Camels

For Immediate Release:

29 November 2016

Contact:

Jennifer White +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 222; [email protected]

SOUTH TYNESIDE CHRISTMAS EVENT UNDER FIRE FOR PLANS TO FEATURE LIVE CAMELS

PETA Calls On South Tyneside Council to Keep Live Animals out of Holiday Festivities

South Tyneside – After hearing about South Tyneside’s Christmas Camel Parade from concerned residents, PETA fired off a letter to Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, encouraging him to cancel the ill-conceived plans.

In the letter, PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” – notes that camels and other wild animals used for such events are denied everything that is natural and important to them. Captive exotic animals, who naturally shun human contact, often live in a perpetual state of confinement, discomfort, and stress. They’re carted from one event to the next and subjected to a constant barrage of unfamiliar noises and activity, while strangers try to touch them. Their instinctual needs – such as seeking mates, raising young, and grazing – are completely stifled.

“Using live animals in these sorts of events sends a damaging message to young people that animals are little more than living props”, says Kirsty Henderson, PETA’s senior campaign coordinator. “There are many other ways that the people of South Tyneside could celebrate the holidays that would be far more in keeping with the Christmas spirit than treating scared animals like decorations.”

The letter follows a 75,000-signature petition set up by local activists to call for an end to the use of live camels at the annual event.

Henderson’s letter is available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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