Ban live reindeer events at Christmas, says animal welfare charity

Animal activists are calling for a ban on live reindeer events this Christmas, claiming their evidence shows serious welfare concerns.

The charity One Kind claims it recorded evidence of reindeer in psychological distress at the Merry Milngavie Christmas parade near Glasgow and at other events last year.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd rejects these concerns, insisting its animals are kept in the best conditions, exceeding licensing requirements.

However the charity believes the animals were likely to be suffering.

Head of campaigns for One Kind, Eve Massie Bishop, told BBC Scotland News: “We want to see an end to the use of live reindeer at festive displays.

”Each year they are transported to be at busy crowded events where there is often loud noises, loud music, bright lights and crowds of humans and unpredictable interactions.

“Evidence shows that these events are likely leading to reindeer experiencing psychological distress, lack of agency and an unsuitable environment.”

The activists sent footage and photos of reindeer at several events in Scotland last year to animal welfare research and policy consultant Dr Tayla Hammond.

She believes there is evidence the animals are in distress.

”The most concerning part for me was how many reindeer showed signs of stress’,” she said.

”We have the wide eyes, showing the white sclera around it, the tense hyper-vigilant posture, heavy breathing and lying down or standing completely still and unresponsive.’

”These are well-recognised signs an animal is stressed and they’re struggling to cope with their environment.”

The owners of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd reject claims these Christmas events cause their animals stress.

The herd has been appearing at events across Scotland throughout November and December.

They argue conditions at their festive events exceed animal welfare requirements.

Co-owner of Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Tilly Smith said: ”We have nothing to hide.

”They make comments about how reindeer are scarred by the events that we do, that is not the case.

”We are good, honest reindeer herders and these reindeer come back on the hill after they’ve done their work.”

She argues critics should come and meet them, talk through any concerns and see for themselves how well they care for these animals.

”We obviously do earn from these events but it is by no means our main source of income.

”Our main source of income comes from people coming to us and enjoying the reindeer on the hill, getting in amongst them, getting to hand feed them.”

Freedom for Animals, which supports the campaign to stop live reindeer events, has recorded eleven locations in Scotland where the animals are involved in Christmas events.

These range from Portree, Lairg and Inverurie to Dunoon, Paisley and Dunfermline.

Both campaigners and herders insist they have the reindeer’s best interests at heart.

The Scottish government said: ”The Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act is clear on the obligations of anyone working with animals to ensure that they are cared for and their needs are met.”