An animal rights group are concerned over the use of reindeer for Christmas events.
Merseyside Animal Rights group explained how they understand that reindeer are “heavily associated” with Christmas and therefore “it is understandable” that many organisers of festive events think having these animals are a “lovely attraction”.
However, they pointed out how the wild animals don’t belong in captivity and “naturally live in colder climes than here in the UK”. Despite this, several companies across the region have gone ahead with including reindeer as part of their event - with one claiming due diligence was carried out beforehand.
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Katie Brown, who has been involved with Merseyside Animal Rights for nearly two decades, told the ECHO : “This is purely for profit and our gratification. It may sound like an opportunity for a magical encounter, especially for children, but the reality of this enchanting idea is very different - reindeer belong in the wild and in The Arctic. They are traipsed about the UK for human amusement. The animals cannot communicate their wishes so they suffer in silence.
“Their attendance at Christmas events causes particular problems as these events often involve bright lights, loud noises and music. They attract large numbers of people in festive high spirits which is the least appropriate environment in which to interact with wild animals. These events are very stressful for these gentle animals."
Merseyside Animal Rights estimate there are around 1,500 reindeer in the UK and while the conditions under which they are kept will vary, “those forced to attend festive events all face the same additional stress of being made to travel miles around the country, and then held in barren pens surrounded by people and noise”.
Katie added: “Specialist deer vets report a range of problems from reindeer being kept in the UK, including weight loss, diarrhoea, poor muscle development, poor antler growth, malformed antlers, low fertility and high calf mortality. They are not able to cope with the stress of captivity, and most of the diseases seen in reindeers kept in the UK are stress-related.”
A number of events across Merseyside had planned or have used reindeer as part of the attractions this Christmas. Merseyside Animal Rights staged a protest outside Barneys Bargains, Walton, over the weekend as the venue included reindeer in its Christmas lights switch-on event. As a result, the animal rights group understand the popular Aintree retailer will be using animatronic reindeers in events to come. Similarly, after being made aware of concerns raised about animal welfare, The Strand Shopping Centre, Bottle, took the decision not to use reindeer as part of the Christmas lights switch-on event back in November.
Hugh Baird College, Bootle, used the wild animals as part of an event on December 7. A spokesperson for the college said due diligence was carried out before hiring the organisation that bring the reindeer to the event.
The spokesperson added: “The welfare of the reindeer was paramount in this, including a commitment to ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. The organisation hold an animal activity license with a five-star rating and follow all welfare standards as set down by DEFRA. The reindeer will be looked after by staff from the reindeer company with whom they have a relationship with, they will also have access to food and water and a place to rest during their time at the college.”
Council-run events in Knowsley stopped using live animals for entertainment in 2020 following a councillor’s 10-month campaign. Knowsley Council unanimously approved a motion from Green Councillor Jo Burke prohibiting the use of live animals, including reindeer, at council events, except for educational purposes or if it was consistent with their natural habitat.
Cllr Burke had argued the use of reindeer at Christmas events caused them “huge stress” through the noise and the experience of being transported around the country. At the time, she said: “We as a council have to listen and protect these majestic animals. It’s one thing to find them in a storybook and quite another to find these sensitive animals used as props for our entertainment.”
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