by Advocates for Animals

GO VEGAN Ten steps to a compassionate Christmas To make sure our animal friends aren’t forgotten during the rush and excitement of the holidays, we’ve put together 10 top tips with simple ways for you to help animals whilst having a happy and healthy festive season!

1. If buying festive gifts this year, please make sure that the perfume or aftershave you buy for your other half, the make-up for your sister and the bubble bath for your mum is cruelty-free! Look out for ‘leaping bunny logo’ that indicates products are completely cruelty-free. For ideas, why not check out Stella McCartney’s range of beautifully scented perfumes or Lush, who have an array of gorgeous smelling goodies (not just for the girls!). csg@naturewatch.org - Naturewatch cruelty-free guide

2. Pets appreciate gifts during the festive season too, so why not drop off a few toys or treats to your local dog shelter. The Dog’s Trust has shelters all over the UK, click here to find one nearest to you.

3. A great way to support animal-friendly charities and organisations is to purchase goodies from their shop. Have a peek in the Advocates for Animals’ shop, Animal Aid, Viva! and Natural Collection

4. Make sure you ‘Fake It!’ this winter buying only faux fur clothes and accessories. Look out for real fur trim on jackets, gloves and boots and always check the label. Real fur could be from rabbits, foxes, racoons, minks and even cats or dogs. Be sure also to avoid novelty items and toys such as ‘Ships Cats’ containing real fur.

5. If you celebrate Christmas, you might consider introducing some tasty vegetarian or vegan options to your dinner. Why not try the mouth-watering Cheatin’ Turkey Roast from Redwoods Foods or the scrumptious Crunchy Leek, Cheese and Mushroom Nut Roast from Cauldron.

6. Remember to put out food and water for garden birds during the harsh winter months and to carry on feeding them into the New Year as many wild birds starve during the winter.

7. Please avoid visiting zoos, circuses or any other type of amusement that use captive animals as part of the entertainment. As an alternative, look out for the growing number of animal-free circuses featuring talented human acrobats, dancers, clowns and gymnasts.

8. Choose to shop and dine in restaurants that do not sell and serve foie gras. This so-called ‘delicacy’ is produced from the diseased, swollen liver of ducks and geese that have been force-fed. You may also want to avoid salmon raised on fish farms, farms that have been linked to the shooting of seals.

9. Ethical gifts, such as sponsoring or adopting an animal at a sanctuary, or giving a donation on behalf of a friend or family member, is a thoughtful festive gift that is sure to be appreciated in the knowledge that it is really helping an animal in need. You could support the great work done by the Hessilhead Wildlife Trust , you could sponsor a whale or dolphin with Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) or maybe even a monkey at the Monkey Sanctuary Trust .

10. Finally, please support Advocates for Animals, Animal Aid, Viva!, The Humane Research Trust and The Dr. Hadwen Trust and our work to protect animals. You could take part in some quick and simple online campaigning, join us by volunteering in our offices or help fund our work by donating; any gift you can give, no matter how small, will help us safeguard the future for animals.