By Laura Tomlinson, Campaigner

Good News on the Festive Events Campaign!

We wanted to share some good news with you for once. And since the news articles yesterday we thought this was a good time!

We have been working hard over the last few months like Santa and his elves to bring a bit of festive cheer. But for us that means continuing to work towards a world where animals are not exploited! Christmas time sees so many animals being used at events such as Santa grottos and Christmas lights switch-ons. Animals like reindeer, camels and donkeys are all being used in the name of Christmas. This must stop once and for all. The RSPCA yesterday called out to put an end to this cruel practice and we too have been working hard to stop the use of live animals at festive events.

This is always a busy time of year but we wanted to take a moment to share this with you.

We have seen many cancellations of animals being used in festive events so far this year. Many companies are listening and thanks to your help in spreading the word they have chosen the compassionate route and are going animal free!

Thank you to these events for choosing to show compassion at this time of year:

- Winter Funland, Eventcity, Manchester.

- Plymouth Central Hall (Methodist Church), Devon.

- Carols Around the Christmas Tree, Boulevard Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.

- Knutsford Christmas Weekend, Cheshire.

- Princes Risborough Christmas Lights Switch-on, Buckinghamshire.

- Bangor Christmas lights switch on, Northern Ireland.

- Magical Christmas Sessions, Darlington.

Not only that but many more that used animals last year are no longer this year and again that’s thanks to you!

Thank you for your support in helping us reach out to these events and spread the word that this is no longer ok and that there are many other ways to celebrate this Christmas!

But we still have a long way to go.

Take a look at our map with all the festive events using live animals this year and contact the organisers and ask them to reconsider using live animals this year or not continue next year. We also have a blog with ideas for events that do not use animals.

We will be contacting event organisers in the New Year to ask them to pledge not to use live animals in events in the future. Your support now could help us achieve this!

Happy festivities to all!