Protesters get the hump over parade
PETA AGAIN CALLS FOR END OF LIVE CAMEL USE
ANIMAL rights campaigners are once again demanding an end to a festive parade featuring live camels.
Campaign group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have written to South Tyneside Council, calling for the annual camel parade, which sees ‘the three wise men’ paraded along Ocean Road, South Shields, on the backs of the desert animals.
The free celebration, set to take place on Friday, will also feature drummers, stilt walkers and live music.
But the addition of camels over the past few years has proven controversial.
PETA Campaigns Strategist Luke Steele said: “Using live animals in these sorts of events sends a damaging message to young people that animals are little more than living props.
“There are many other ways that South Tyneside residents could celebrate the holidays that would be far more in keeping with the Christmas spirit than treating scared animals like decorations.”
In 2015 and 2016 thousands of people signed petitions calling for an end to the parade.
But South Tyneside Council has previously argued that very few of the petitioners are from South Tyneside and that residents “overwhelmingly support” the festivities.
This year, a council spokesperson said: “The Camel Parade is returning for the fifth year, featuring camels from a specialist, reputable company with the highest standards in animal welfare and training.
“Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years and are well adapted to dealing with cold conditions.
“In the wild they are able to withstand extremes of temperatures such as in the desert where temperatures can drop below zero degrees.
“The camels are well looked after by their handlers who have more than 40 years’ experience and an outstanding track record for events across the country.
“On the day of the parade, a vet is engaged to inspect the animals’ welfare. They also remain in the care of their handlers at all times to ensure the safety of both the animals and public.”
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for culture and leisure added: “We are mindful that there have been some concerns in the past about involving live animals in our festive events.
“We want to reassure people that the firm we use has the health and wellbeing of the animals at their heart – this is something that is extremely important to us.”
The parade ends with a firework parade, but camels are removed before these begin.