The Issue
To the leadership of Prestonwood Baptist Church and the broader Dallas–Fort Worth community:
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge Prestonwood Baptist Church to end the use of live animals in its annual Christmas pageant. While the intent may be to create an authentic and traditional experience for attendees, the use of live animals poses significant ethical and logistical concerns.
Firstly, it is important to consider the welfare of the animals involved. Live animals used in theatrical productions often face stressful conditions, being exposed to loud noises, bright lights, and large crowds, which can be harmful to their well-being. Many animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA and PETA, have highlighted the unnecessary stress and potential dangers animals face in such environments.
Furthermore, transporting animals to and from the venue can cause additional distress. The animals may be subjected to long periods of travel without proper care or rest, which can lead to negative health consequences. It is crucial that we prioritize the humane treatment of animals and consider ethical alternatives that do not involve live creatures.
In addition to ethical concerns, there are logistical challenges and potential liabilities. The presence of live animals in a public setting poses risks not only to the animals but also to the audience and participants in the pageant. Animals can behave unpredictably, leading to potential accidents or injuries that could have been avoidable. Such incidents may also result in legal and financial repercussions for the church.
We propose that Prestonwood Baptist Church consider alternative methods to create an engaging and meaningful Christmas pageant. Many productions successfully use technology, such as high-quality animatronics, projections, and soundscapes, to evoke the nativity scene without compromising animal welfare or audience safety.
The time-honored tradition of celebrating Christmas should reflect our compassion and respect for all living beings. By choosing not to use live animals in the Christmas pageant, Prestonwood Baptist Church can showcase a commitment to ethical standards and ensure a joyous celebration for all community members.
We hope the leadership of the church will take these considerations into account and choose a more humane approach for future pageants. Please join us in urging Prestonwood Baptist Church to stop the use of live animals in their Christmas pageant by signing this petition.
