These beautiful creatures are icons of the season; entire Christmas carols have been composed in devotion. But in areas of Sweden and Finland, reindeer are not celebrated. Instead, they are abused, maimed, and eventually slaughtered.
This video contains disturbing, heartbreaking scenes of abuse. It’s only a minute and a half, and I couldn’t get through the whole thing.
Fortunately, though, you can do something to help prevent further needless suffering. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is asking all concerned world citizens to “sign this petition calling members of the Nordic Council of Ministers to uphold the Växjö Declaration and enforce existing animal welfare laws.”
http://www.care2.com/news/member/100041282/2670242
I’m not a religious person; in fact, I’m quite the opposite. But I do believe in kindness, and I do hope for peace on earth. And I’m convinced that an end to cruelty will only be achieved through the actions of mere mortals.
