Town asked to end reindeer use in Christmas events

A letter to Newport Town Council noted dozens of events had stopped using deer in their celebrations

A Shropshire town has been asked to stop using live deer in its Christmas celebrations.

Newport Town Council is planning a lantern parade, fun fair and a visit from Santa and his reindeer for its lights switch-on ceremony on 22 November.

But it has received a letter from a concerned resident who said events like this could be stressful for the animals.

"No reindeer should suffer for festive entertainment," the letter said.

The writer noted that 44 other events which previously used live animals held deer-free celebrations "with much success" last year.

The letter said: "The unnatural environment, inability to exhibit natural behaviour, constant and unpredictable interactions, long distance travel, repeated loading and unloading, and the stress of pulling Santa’s sleigh" all cause distress, fear and mental fatigue for the animals.

It also said vets had expressed concerns about the suitability of reindeer for captivity and concluded: "I kindly ask that you also reconsider your decision to display these animals. No reindeer should suffer for festive entertainment.”

Town councillors will discuss the letter at their next meeting.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.