Dear John

Our Festive Events Campaign has officially launched!

Every year over the Christmas season, we focus our attention on the cruelty of animals being used as props and attractions at festive events across the country.

By far the most commonly exploited animals in these events are reindeer. These gentle, sensitive animals are confined to trucks, vans, and trailers, and hauled around the country...all to be put on display for human amusement.

Forced to endure loud, busy environments, in small & unnatural enclosures surrounded by the prying eyes of spectators, this is no life for an animal. They are sometimes even being made to pull sleighs and parade through busy town centres! 

It’s exploitative, unnecessary and cruel, and we stand against it every year. And we can only do this thanks to your support!

This year, we are again working in collaboration with our colleagues at Animal Aid, OneKind, and Born Free - and continuing to coordinate a national response to events involving live reindeer! Part of this work involves reaching out to the organisers cruelly using them as props, and highlighting the serious welfare risks and ethical concerns associated with doing so.

This approach has great results! Since 2018, at least 209 events that previously featured live animals have since switched to creative, animal-free alternatives. These include VR sleigh rides, animatronic reindeer and 'reindeer runs', where people in costumes raise funds for local community causes.

And this year, our joint letter has gained an incredible 35 signatories, including the RSPCA, League Against Cruel Sports, Dr Tayla Hammond, and many more!

You can read the letter HERE, or click the link box below to be taken to the festive launch page for more information!

Together, with your dedicated support, we are making real progress towards stopping these cruel displays!

Our work will continue right through to Christmas Day and into the New Year, as we monitor, expose, and oppose these events.

But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to bring about lasting change for animals! So thank you for continuing to be a part of this important work for animal freedom alongside us.

For the animals,


Laura Walton
Campaigns Manager
Freedom for Animals

P.S. John, stand with me against animal captivity - become a Freedom Champion today!