Victory for Animals! LaplandUK to No Longer Use Live Reindeer Displays
In a win for animals, LaplandUK has confirmed it will not use live animals in its immersive theatre experience this Christmas.
After hearing from PETA and other animal protection groups, the attraction has dropped cruel and exploitative live animal displays and embraced animal-free entertainment.
No Christmas Cheer for Animals in Exhibits
Christmas may be a magical time for humans, but it’s anything but for the animals used in festive displays. At these events, sensitive animals are often treated as mere props for visitors to “pet” and take photos with.
The Cruelty of Reindeer Displays
Reindeer, native to regions like Norway, Finland, Siberia, and Alaska, are gentle, highly sensitive animals. In their natural habitat, they travel in herds across vast mountain ranges and swim across rivers. When exploited for events, they are denied all that’s natural to them.
Terrified, Confined, and Separated from Families
Reindeer used for displays are often confined for hours on end in dirty pens, separated from their families, and forced to interact with humans. As prey animals, reindeer are easily frightened, and bright lights, loud noises, and screams from children cause them immense stress.
Illness and Injury
Multiple investigations by Animal Aid revealed that reindeer used for displays were kicked and verbally abused by workers. Some were also emaciated and found suffering from diarrhoea, raw skin, and skeletal abnormalities.
Exploited Huskies
Some festive events use huskies to make money from visitors, who “pet” them, take selfies, or use them in dog-sledding. Huskies, like all dogs, can easily become stressed if given unwanted attention and may lash out and cause injury to themselves or humans. They require adequate off-lead time and freedom to play – both of which are restricted when they’re used in exhibits.
Leave Live Animal Displays in the Past
PETA and over 30 animal protection groups – including Animal Aid, Born Free Foundation, and Freedom for Animals – have called on festive events to exclude animals from shows. LaplandUK joins a growing list of attractions and events that have ended the use of animal displays and performances. Dalton Park Shopping Outlet, Notcutts Garden Centres, Leeds Castle, and Sevenoaks Town Council have cancelled reindeer appearances at their events. Mercat Shopping Centre agreed to no longer have live reindeer displays due to animal welfare concerns. Butlin’s, Clacton Pier, Moulin Rouge, and Thorpe Park Resort are among the many attractions that have stopped using animals for entertainment.
Report Live Animal Displays!
No reputable event – especially one known for spreading festive cheer – should wish to be associated with animal exploitation. If you see reindeer or other animals being used for exhibits in your area, please write to the organisers urging them to stop. You can write your own letter or use our template.
Learn more about the cruelty of reindeer displays:
Learn the truth about dog-sledding:
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