Blantyre resident says ‘spare a life’ this Christmas

Dec 15 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

A BLANTYRE woman is urging fellow Lanarkshire residents to have a compassionate Christmas and leave turkey off the menu.

Clare Crossan, of Berkley Drive, is an Animal Aid supporter and believes “death and suffering” has no place on the Christmas table.

In fact, on Christmas day, Clare will be tucking into a puff pastry parcel with three layers of apricot and oatmeal stuffing, spinach and vegan cream cheese, and carrot.

She said: “I will serve our Christmas pastry parcel with roast potatoes, vegetables and cranberry sauce, and our dessert will be chocolate cake and dairy-free ice cream or fruit strudel.”

She added: “I believe Christmas is a time for peace and for thinking of others – and although the festive season is full of celebrations, parties, fun and laughter, there is no happy Christmas for millions of turkeys, and other animals.

“At the end of the day, death and suffering has no place at the Christmas table, so please spare a life this festive season.”

Animal Aid is the UK's largest animal rights group and one of the longest established in the world, having been founded in 1977.

They campaign peacefully against all forms of animal abuse and promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Animal Aid’s campaigns officer, Kelly Slade added: “Whether factory-farmed, free-range or organic, all turkeys meet a bloody end at the slaughterhouse when they are, typically, only four months old. So this Christmas, spare a life and have a meat-free feast instead!”

Animal Aid has produced a free glossy booklet showing, for anyone who, like Clare, wants to enjoy the festive season without harming animals.

Kelly added: “Ethical living is becoming increasingly popular so why not celebrate this Christmas with a meat-free meal? Shops across the country now sell a variety of meat-free products.”

For a free copy of the booklet call 01732 364546 or emailing info@animalaid.org.uk