In November, reindeer will once again be transported to the Harrogate Christmas Market to provide live entertainment for its visitors. The team at HAPPI (Harrogate Animals People Planet Initiative) believe that the Christmas season should be one of joy and peace for all. We feel that there are many other ways that local residents could celebrate this Christmas without compromising the wellbeing of animals.

With the backing of Harrogate residents and market visitors, HAPPI will use this petition to request that Harrogate Council make the humane decision not to use live animals at this event and also make a formal commitment to avoiding future events that promote the mistreatment of animals.

The Captive Animals’ Protective Society would also like to see more councils taking action against using animals as entertainment:

"The Captive Animals' Protection Society would like to see Harrogate Council join other councils and businesses in the decision to hold an animal free event this Christmas. Christmas should be a time where compassion is shown towards all beings, yet animals are transported all over the country at Christmas for events at shopping centres and noisy displays. It is widely accepted that animals suffer stress during events such as the Harrogate Christmas Market. The public have spoken out against such events as many feel that these events are an inappropriate place for animals."

Maddy Taylor, Campaigns Officer

What harm is caused?

Animals, such as reindeer, used in seasonal displays, are forced into close contact with the public, which leaves them stressed and afraid. Reindeer are not domestic animals, and their instincts remain very much intact in captivity. Contact with people is something they normally avoid.

When used as "props", they are denied the opportunity to engage in natural behaviour and roam freely over vast open ranges, as they would in their natural circumpolar habitat.

Travelling animal displays also contribute to a cruel cycle of breeding, abandonment and killing. Exhibitors take young animals on the road and, if they survive the stress of transport and handling, typically dispose of them when they become more difficult to handle, replacing them with new animals. Every year, sanctuaries have to turn away requests to house large animals.

Please sign this petition to show your support in helping to save these beautiful animals from this stressful ordeal.

 

Interesting links for further reading

http://www.captiveanimals.org/rudolph​

http://www.peta.org.uk/blog/rudolph-doesnt-belong-shopping-centre/​

http://www.happiharrogate.co.uk

 

Sources

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Captive Animals Protective Society (CAPS)