Posted on the 21st November 2022
Great news! More than 40 events, which used reindeer or other live animals in 2021, have listed their 2022 events with no mention of animals!
Thank you so much to all our supporters who campaigned against the use of animals in these events, by emailing event organisers, handing out leaflets and organising protests. Although many event organisers don’t explain why they are not using animals, we hope that concern for animal welfare would have influenced their decision.
Here are a few events which have made the compassionate decision to move away from using live animals in 2022!
In 2021 Dalton Park held a reindeer parade at their shopping centre. An Animal Aid supporter contacted them with her concerns, as did Animal Aid. They replied saying that they were looking into additional and alternative activities for 2022 and would consider our feedback.
This year Dalton Park hosted their very first indoor Artisan Christmas Market on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th November instead of their reindeer parade!
Before the event Dalton park told us they could confirm that:
“Our management team have made the decision not to include live reindeer as part of our 2022 Christmas event schedule at Dalton Park. This was following an evaluation and planning meeting, in which we discussed the issues around using live reindeer from an ethical standpoint, combined with the additional health and safety issues this caused both the reindeer and the general public. We continually work with third party welfare bodies and not-for-profit organisations to develop more ethical and sustainable practices, which requires a review of all the activity we conduct (in line with our vision of becoming a more socially responsible business).”
The Artisan Christmas Market supported over 35 independent North-East traders, enthralling ‘elf-tertainment’, as well as Santa’s Grotto!
2. Fareham’s Christmas Lights Switch On
You may remember last year that a group of animal rights campaigners in Hampshire challenged the use of reindeers in Fareham’s Christmas lights event. They wrote numerous letters to the organisers and councillors as well as gathering footage of the reindeer at the event.
Fareham Borough Council have now confirmed that from 2022, they will not be using live animals as an attraction at any event, including those at Christmas. Amazing news!
This year the Christmas lights switch event went ahead on Saturday 19th November, but without the use of live animals. The event included many attractions, including market stalls, performers, fun fair rides and more. They had a Nutcracker theme which included a window trail around the Town and themed walkabout performers.
3. Banbury’s Christmas Lights Switch On
One of our supporters contacted Animal Aid as they had learned that an event in Banbury included the use of live reindeer in their Christmas celebrations the very next day. We got in touch with the organisers, but Banbury BID felt it was too late to cancel. They did, however, promise to consider the points we had raised when planning future events.
We were delighted to learn that this year they were planning an amazing line up of animal-free festivities. At Banbury BID’s Magic of Christmas on Saturday the 19th of November, there was an inflatable Snow Globe, Snow Machine, Inflatable Santas Grotto with gifts for the children and a Christmas Sleigh suitable for everyone.
Then from Friday 25th until Sunday 27th November there will be a Spectacular Victorian Christmas Market with 100 stalls, street performers, live entertainment, all-round Festive fun and best of all; no live animals!
Sadly, there are still many event organisers that are planning to use live animals this Christmas. Please, find events in your area, on our map and encourage them to host animal-free events like the ones above. If you hear of others in your area, please tell us about them here.
For more information on how to take action against the use of reindeer and other live animals used in festive events, order a free Antler pack!
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