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

For Immediate Release:

30 November 2017

Contact:

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

SOUTH SHIELDS 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 – PETA has sent a letter to the leader of South Tyneside Council encouraging him to cancel plans to use live camels in scheduled Christmas-themed events.

In the letter, PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” – notes that camels fare very poorly when used in events. They’re often carted from one venue to the next, housed in cramped pens, and subjected to a constant barrage of unfamiliar noises and activity while strangers try to touch them – all of which causes these sensitive animals extreme stress.

What’s more, camels are often skittish and unpredictable and can present a serious public safety hazard when exhibited on the street or in other settings that are unfamiliar to them. They could also pose a risk to public health, as they can transmit numerous diseases to humans, including rabies, salmonellosis, sarcoptic mange, and ringworm. The World Health Organisation has even urged the public to avoid contact with camels over fears that such illnesses will be spread.

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

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

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