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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Rudolph at the Christmas market: cute festive attraction or damaging reindeer’s health?

Rudolph RSPCA
Reindeer at Christmas market.
Many Christmas markets in Britain advertise real reindeer among their attractions. Photograph: Simon Maycock/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News.

With their fluffy coats, big brown eyes and reputation as Santa’s helpers, reindeer are a common and popular attraction at Christmas markets around the UK.

But being stuck in a pen and approached by hordes of adoring fans is harming the mental and physical health of Rudolph and his brethren, animal charities have warned.

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