It was anything but “calm and bright.” A holiday show at Champion Forest Baptist Church turned into the nightmare before Christmas when a live camel kicked an audience member in the head, apparently knocking her unconscious—a grim reminder that animals are not nativity scene props, and that exploiting them for seasonal spectacle puts everyone at risk.

According to just-released federal records, the animal exhibitor hired for the production—Trunks and Humps Inc.—was slapped with a critical citation after PETA alerted officials to the incident. Now, we’re calling on Champion Forest Senior Pastor Jarrett Stephens to cut the church’s ties with the exploitative business and leave animals out of its events.

We Warned the Church That Live-Animal Displays Are Dangerous

Before the event, PETA’s faith outreach division, PETA LAMBS (“Least Among My Brothers and Sisters,” inspired by Matthew 25:40), cautioned Champion Forest that nativity scenes aren’t festive for camels, elephants, and other animals used in these displays. Exhibitors cart animals from city to city, thrusting them into the constant barrage of strange noises, glaring lights, and raucous crowds. For sensitive camels—herd animals who form strong social bonds—these chaotic environments likely cause them extreme anxiety that can last even after the curtain closes. The incident at Champion Forest could have even turned fatal, as camels have been known to attack and kill humans when forced into disorienting, unnatural situations.

The only thing Trunks and Humps operator Mike Swain should be doing in a church is atoning for his cruelty. He has been caught on video violently kicking and striking an elephant in the face, then dragging her to the ground with a sharp, steel-tipped bullhook. Other exhibitors are often just as abusive, commonly using whips, electric prods, and other painful methods to force animals into submission. At one live-animal nativity display in Kentucky, a handler was caught on video punching a camel in the face.

Leave Live Animals Out of Holiday Festivities

Every animal is someone with thoughts and feelings. On Christmas—and all year round—we must treat them with respect and compassion. YOU can speak up for camels and other exploited animals by not participating in events that put them on display. Share this page to help spread the word, and while you’re at it, tell Radio City Music Hall to stop using animals in its Christmas Spectacular.