20th December 2018

An event using live penguins as festive entertainment has been cancelled, after more than a thousand people contacted the organisers. 

The event organiser, Halifax BID, announced the cancellation just 24 hours after a Freedom for Animals online action went live on Wednesday afternoon. A protest was also scheduled to take place out side the event on Saturday 22nd December. 

A quote posted online by the organisers stated:

"Halifax BID has decided to cancel ‘Penguins at the Old Arcade’ event hosted by Amazing Animals, due to take place on 22 Dec. This decision has been taken in the best interest of public safety due to potential animal welfare concerns being raised at this event."

Campaigners were very concerned that the company supplying the penguins was non other than 'Amazing Animals'. This company trains animals to be used in the TV and film industry, as well in mobile events such as these. Freedom for Animals have gone undercover at the company premises in recent years and filmed controversial circus-style shows featuring lions and tigers. This was featured in national news in the Daily Mail and wildlife expert Chris Packham, also spoke out. 

Freedom for Animals Campaigns Director Nicola stated:

"We are absolutely delighted that Halifax BID listened to concerned members of the public and cancelled this event. We hope they and other businesses thinking of hosting similar events, now recognise that people do not want to see animals being treated this way in the name of entertainment."

Thank you to all who reached out to Halifax BID asking them to cancel. Please contact them thanking them for making this compassionate choice for animals. 

[email protected].uk

https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverHxUK