Santa Delivers Christmas Joy To Sad Farm Animals

It was a joyous occasion for neglected farm animals today following a visit from Santa to intensive pig, chicken and turkey farms around Canterbury. Roadside goats, horses and kune kune pigs also took great delight savouring fresh, tasty apples, carrots and lettuces given by Santa and his compassionate helpers.

Santa, with help from SAFE, a nationwide animal advocacy organisation, delivered a trailer full of fresh garden vegetables to animals on farms to help bring some relief from the monotonous diet of mash. Santa also left bales of soft straw so that pigs especially could have comfortable bedding instead of lying on cold, hard concrete floors in barren pens.

"We are delighted that Santa has not forgotten the farm animals this Christmas," says Hans Kriek, SAFE campaign director. "For most pigs, chickens, and turkeys in New Zealand Christmas is not usually a jolly time. Over 80 million animals exist inside overcrowded sheds, tiny stalls or cages on factory farms in conditions that can only be described as deplorable. These animals lead very sad lives," said Mr Kriek.

SAFE is New Zealand¹s leading organisation advocating for dramatic improvements to living conditions of factory-farmed animals. This is supported by an increasing number of New Zealanders who no longer tolerate farming practices that neglect, mistreat, and deprive animals.

"Christmas is a good time for people to show they care about animals. By shopping compassionately and buying food and gifts that are humanely produced we can all help the animals," says Mr Kriek.

SAFE¹s annual street day appeal is on Friday 17 December. Over 500 collectors will be dressed in animal costumes collecting donations in nine metropolitan centres including Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch. SAFE relies solely on public donations to carry out its work for animals. SAFE receives no government funding. People who miss appeal collectors can call 0800 SAVE US or visit www.safe.org.nz to pledge their support.

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