Mark Whitehead 29 November 2016

Council defends camel parade in wake of petition

A Christmas seafront parade featuring the three wise men riding real-life camels is set to go ahead despite massive opposition.

More than 80,000 people have signed a petition urging South Tyneside Council to ditch the event, due to take place in South Shields on Friday.

They say it is cruel, because of the crowds and the noise of fireworks, and sends out 'the wrong message about animals and how they are expected to perform as entertainment'.

But the council has hit back, saying the camel parade is 'one of the highlights of our festive celebrations.'

Deputy leader Alan Kerr said: 'The event always has a wonderful atmosphere and attracts people to South Shields who line Ocean Road to watch the camel parade.

'This year's camel parade promises to be an evening of sensational seasonal entertainment, live music and a stunning fireworks display.

'Friday evening boasts everything you would expect to see at Christmas plus a great deal of wow factor packed into this superb free family event.'

#Animal welfare

Analysis

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.

Opinion

Parks: Councils' secret weapon, not an easy cut

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd tells LocalGov why councils weighing cuts to green spaces are missing the bigger picture.

Most Popular News

Lincolnshire issues legal LGR letter to Government

Devo minister resigns

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Local government workers ‘reluctantly’ agree 3.3% pay boost

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire's Heritage Lighting Upgrade at Britannia Quay Balances Performance and Ecology

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Children’s Social Worker

£39,000 - £41,771 per annum

As a Children's Social Worker, you'll work directly with children, families and partner agencies to safeguard children, promote their wellbeing Cheshire

Recuriter: Cheshire East Council