Reindeer used in Festive Events

Reindeer have been associated with the festive season for over two hundred years. This is due to an 1800’s poem describing a reindeer pulling Santa Claus over chimney tops and through expanses of snow. Sadly, this enchanting folk story has been used to exploit these beautiful animals. Every year, reindeer are used to parade down busy streets, stand in small pens in shopping centres and garden centres and pull Santa’s sleigh.

Reasons reindeer suffer at festive events and in captivity:

  • A report by Dr Tayla Hammond and commissioned by OneKind detailed the many welfare issues reindeer experience both at festive events and in captivity for the rest of the year.
  • The evidence shows us that the wild conditions that reindeer are genetically built for are incredibly difficult to replicate in captivity, leading to a host of health and welfare issues. These include weight loss, poor body weight, muscle wastage and general malaise.
  • Reindeer are adapted to roam for miles, nibbling on lichen and herbs, exist in cold climates and live in herds. These behaviours are very different to those of reindeer kept in captivity and taken to events– fed an unnatural diet, confined to small spaces, transported long distances and limited to one or two reindeer by their side at events.
  • Furthermore, the environment at the ‘event’ can cause stress and fear for reindeer, and the demands of events can lead to physical and mental fatigue. The change in diet at events can cause digestive issues and even lead to death. To find out more, read the summary of the OneKind report here.
  • Animal Aid’s undercover investigations into UK reindeer farms revealed appalling suffering behind the scenes, including deliberate abuse.
Report A Festive Event using Live Animals
Young reindeer in UK town centre
Reindeer displayed in a town centre
Reindeer displayed in a town centre
Transportation to a festive event
Reindeer at a festive event
Reindeer in a pen at an event
Reindeer in a pen at an event
A close-up of a reindeer's face in a pen at a festive event
 
Young reindeer in UK town centre
Reindeer displayed in a town centre
Reindeer displayed in a town centre
Transportation to a festive event
Reindeer at a festive event
Reindeer in a pen at an event
Reindeer in a pen at an event
A close-up of a reindeer's face in a pen at a festive event

Magic without the misery:

Due to their mythical image, many people want to see a reindeer in person. These events are packaged as providing a ‘magical moment’ for humans – but it is not magical for the reindeer. To serve Christmas demand, reindeer are exposed to the stress of events, and then live the rest of the year in captivity. This existence is a far cry from the lives they should be living in the wild. If we truly want reindeer to live in alignment with the magical idea we have in our imaginations – one of freedom, snowy landscapes and peaceful wilderness – then we must let them live in the wild. By not attending events using reindeer and other live animals, writing letters to events and/or talking to your friends and family about this issue, we can ensure that all animals (both human and non-human) can enjoy the magic of winter without the misery.

Take Action:

  • To order leaflets for local campaigning, e-mail nina@animalaid.org.uk
  • Help turn the pins from red to green on this map by Freedom For Animals
  • For letter templates to councils, event organisers and newspapers, click here
  • To find out more about other animals exploited in festive events, click here
  • Order a copy of our children’s book Rollo’s Long Way Home here

 

 

Thanks to John Aron Photography for the top photograph of a reindeer looking out at crowds of people.

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