DEER STRAITS
Undercover video shows reindeer that will be used to entice families into Santa’s grottoes suffering shocking abuse
One of the poor creatures was in such poor health it had to be put down, according to activists
DISTURBING footage shows grotto-bound reindeer being kicked and abused at farms in the UK.
Charity Animal Aid captured undercover footage of skeletal reindeer enduring "shocking suffering” at farms in Kent and Staffordshire in 2017 and 2018.
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The welfare charity claims they found poorly-looking reindeer with raw, exposed skin, diarrhoea and skeletal abnormalities.
Footage they claim was taken at Kent Reindeer Centre in May 2018 shows a worker apparently kicking a reindeer twice, as well as shouting abuse at the animals.
Pictures the charity say were taken at Blithbury Reindeer Lodge in Rugeley, Staffordshire, in Spring 2018 show reindeer with patchy fur, bowed legs and broken antlers.
Animal Aid claim that one at that centre was in such poor health that it had to be put down.
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Several animals in the centres also had visible ribs while several were kept in "desolate" and "unnatural" conditions, the charity claims.
Tor Bailey, campaign manager at Animal Aid, said: "Our investigations have revealed the shocking suffering of these gentle animals.
"Reindeer are sensitive wild animals, not props to be paraded around and used for human entertainment.
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"I would urge the general public not to support events which feature live captive animals and find other more animal-friendly ways to enjoy the festive period."
The footage and photos come after government figures show that between 2014 to 2017, 571 reindeer were imported from Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Animal Aid claim that once they are brought to the UK - usually to be used in festive grotto and reindeer parades - they are susceptible to a variety of diseases and pathogens.
A charity spokesperson said they had reported their findings to each area's Trading Standards department, DEFRA and the RSPCA.
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Dr. John Fletcher, founder of the Veterinary Reindeer Society said he was "disturbed" by the footage and findings.
He said: "Reindeer have adapted to live in the Arctic.
"They are not well able to cope with the stress of captivity, and most of the diseases we see here in reindeer are stress-related.
"DEFRA need to stop the export of reindeer into the UK."
Kent Reindeer Centre has been approached for comment but is yet to respond.
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