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  • Release Rudolph
  1. Support us
  2. Fundraising

Release Rudolph

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose...

A single day in 1939 sealed reindeers' fate for over 80 years to come. Robert L. May invented the character ‘Rudolph’ and his brother-in-law Johnny Marks, wrote the song that would forever change the publics’ perception of this beautiful species - “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”. 

...Rudolph, with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?...

Overnight, reindeer became symbolic of Father Christmas delivering presents to children, gleefully pulling his sleigh and spreading Christmas joy around the world.

But tragically, Rudolph's nose isn’t so shiny now, it’s dull and depressed. Christmas time means sadness and suffering for Rudolph. 

It’s going to be another long, dark winter for Rudolph…

Rudolph and his friends are driven for three hours in a cramped trailer to a shopping centre. Dragged out of the trailer by their sensitive antlers, they are forced into tight harnesses - covered in tinsel and bells - and led through a busy crowd. Their home for the next 8 hours is a small pen next to an escalator. 

Rudolph is forced to stand still whilst squealing children push their way through the crowds to ‘stroke’ him and touch his delicate nose. He is terrified. Trying to pull back, he hangs his head low, closing his eyes to the bright lights, anything to get away. But nothing could get him away from the chaos. Locked in, surrounded on all sides.

Will you help to end this cruel industry and free animals from this tragic exploitation? Your donation today will fund campaigns taking place RIGHT NOW and into 2021.

DONATE NOW

This year, despite lockdown meaning many events cannot take place, Rudolph isn’t safe. Some are still facing a life on the road, being taken into schools, garden centres and even supermarkets. Others are languishing in fields or barns, as their captors make plans for 2021 when they can take them back out on the road and make money. 

Whatever is happening to these reindeer this year, they face fear, stress and suffering. Deprived of their freedom, they are so far from their natural homes in snowy mountains and alpine forests. They are just here, waiting for their unknown destination.

...Then how the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you'll go down in history"...

Reindeer, who are sensitive quiet animals, easily spooked by noises and new environments. Reindeer who should be wandering freely in large herds, not kept in a pen surrounded by fake Christmas trees, decorations and humans dressed as elves. 

There may be fewer Christmas events this year, there may be fewer captive reindeer visible on the streets and in our town centres, but be assured, they are still here. This year is no less cruel - a warehouse or paddock is no better than a Christmas show. 

We must get to work to stop this! Please send a doantion of £10 or more today, to free animals from a life of misery.

DONATE NOW

With the help of fellow activists, Freedom for Animals has been campaigning for years to end reindeer and other animals being used in festive displays. We conduct research each year, track captive reindeer movements, cancel shows and venue spaces, mobilise action through online and offline movements.  We work tirelessly to put an end to this cruel trade. 

Please send a donation this December - in the name of Rudolph and his friends - to allow us to keep fighting for animals and their freedom. 

Your donations DO result in successes! Last year we convinced a major event in Manchester, who would have subjected Rudolph to thousands of visitors at an event, to end their plans to use live reindeer. 

Your gift will not only help with this campaign, but it will also help in many other ways. We work to free all animals from the exploitation of entertainment, and your kindness makes it possible for us to help each one.

So please, donate to help animals this Christmas.

Thank you.

P.S To take the fight even further, we have created an interactive map to show events that are taking place with LIVE REINDEER near you this Christmas. Join us and let’s put an end to this for good. 

*Funds raised from this campaign will be used where the need is most to end the use of animals as entertainment. 

Published: 9th December, 2020

Updated: 18th January, 2021

Author: Nic OBrien

Related topics:
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Freedom for Animals is the working name of the Captive Animals' Protection Society. 

The Captive Animals' Protection Society is a registered charity, no. 1124436, and a company, no. 2086775, 
limited by guarantee in England and Wales.


Registered address: Holyoake House, Hanover Street,
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