MP presses penguin welfare in Parliament
By Philippa Silverman - 2nd December 2010
Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson has raised concerns about animal welfare, following Hamley's plans to bring real penguins and reindeer into its store as part of a Christmas promotion.
During Commons questions on future business, Swinson said many people find Christmas shopping in the Regent Street store an "unappealing prospect" at the best of times with excitable children and their stressed parents.
She said: "It is certainly no place for Arctic animals, yet shockingly Hamleys have advertised live displays of reindeer and penguins in store.
"Can we have a debate how animal welfare should be for life and not forgotten for Christmas?"
In response, Sir George Young said he will speak to the relevant minister on the issue of welfare of animals to check if any regulations have been broken.
Hamleys has since abandoned its plans to host a penguin show, scheduled for December 6, following criticism from animal rights campaigners.
The toy shop had also promoted a reindeer show, with animals named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the shop said: "Whilst we were taking every measure possible to ensure the welfare of the penguins, we have listened closely to people’s views and feel this is the best course of action.
"We apologise to those of our customers who were looking forward to seeing the penguins. To clarify, we no longer have reindeer in store."
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.