Reindeer event to go ahead despite welfare fears

Reindeer, like this one pictured at a Christmas event in Finland, will feature in the Middlesbrough parade

An annual Christmas celebration involving reindeer will be going ahead despite welfare concerns raised by an animal rights group.

The Middlesbrough Christmas parade has been brought back this year for the weekend of 22 November, with Santa and his reindeer as a centrepiece.

Middlesbrough Council said concerns had been raised by the North East Animal Rights group, and the reindeer booking had been briefly cancelled before all the relevant people were consulted. It added it had now been reinstated, with the council saying it followed advice from handlers.

Anna Malia, founder of the animal rights group, said reindeer "should not be bred nor should they be used as a money-making opportunity".

She highlighted how other local authorities, such as South Tyneside Council, had started holding animal-free events.

Ms Malia said: "When the council clearly already have a fabulous event, why are they digging their heels in by exploiting animals?

"This Labour-run council and Labour Mayor should already be aware that making progress on animal welfare is part of their manifesto yet have made this odd decision which goes against that."

The group are planning on holding a protest on the day of the parade.

Mistaken for mythical creatures

A Middlesbrough Council spokesperson said concerns had been raised about the use of reindeer at the parade.

They said: "Middlesbrough's popular Christmas parade will be enjoyed by more than 10,000 people and its return was warmly welcomed by local families when it was announced in September.

"We act on the advice and expertise of the reindeer's handlers and the welfare of the animals who feature in the parade is paramount.

"As such, the event will go ahead as planned this year."

George Richardson, who owns herd of reindeer at Richardson Garden Centre near Seaham, said it would be a "huge shame" if reindeer events were cancelled for future generations.

He said: "Taking reindeer to a parade is no different to taking a domesticated horse.

"You would be amazed by the number of adults we have who are amazed by our reindeer and thought they were mythical creatures.

"It might be the only time children get to see them in their lives."