Glasgow University ‘Yule Ball’ Under Fire for Plans to Feature Live Owl and Python

For Immediate Release:

16 December 2015

Contact:

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

GLASGOW UNIVERSITY ‘YULE BALL’ UNDER FIRE FOR PLANS TO FEATURE LIVE OWL AND PYTHON

PETA Calls On Principal to Keep Live Animals out of Holiday Festivities

Glasgow– This morning, PETA sent a letter to Glasgow University Principal Anton Muscatelli encouraging him to cancel plans to use a live owl and python as part of the school’s upcoming Yule Ball.

In the letter, PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”, points out that music and bright lights at celebrations are extremely stressful for animals, particularly owls and snakes, who have acute hearing. Contact with people is something owls, who are nocturnal, solitary predators, typically avoid, and they would be unnecessarily subjected to the stress of travel. Snakes, too, have a large number of tactile receptors that allow them to feel the slightest change in their environment – so although they can’t display discomfort as visibly as other animals (they don’t whine, yelp or flinch), constant handling leaves them prone to illness and injury.

“Treating terrified animals like decorations sends a dangerous message to students, who should be learning that all living beings deserve kindness and respect”, says PETA campaign coordinator Kirsty Henderson. “PETA is calling on students and administrators to extend the Christmas spirit to animals by leaving them out of this event.”

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

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