21 animal protection groups have signed an open letter to hundreds of event organisers asking them to cease using live reindeer in their Christmas celebrations.   

Last year, eleven groups reached out to event organisers to highlight a 2023 report detailing the negative welfare impacts of using reindeer in entertainment events. In response, 44 events informed us that they had made the responsible decision to switch to celebrations that did not involve animals. Since 2018, at least 153 events in total have transitioned to animal-free Christmas celebrations.  

And a new report from Freedom for Animals has now documented legal loopholes allowing the use of reindeer in travelling festive performances across England. These activities would be illegal if associated with a travelling circus under the Wild Animals in Circuses Act 2019. Similarly, in Scotland, reindeer used in festive displays face welfare risks akin to those that led to the ban on wild animals in circuses under the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018.  

Animal protection groups, OneKind, Animal Aid, Born Free and Freedom for Animals are leading the campaign to end the use of live reindeer in events and displays across the UK.   

OneKind’s Head of Campaigns, Eve Massie Bishop said:  

“The research is clear. Reindeer used in Christmas events across the UK are most likely experiencing psychological distress and poor welfare. From the stress of transportation to their exposure to unnatural environments during events, every step of these reindeers’ journey poses welfare risks.   

“For many, Christmas embodies community, joy, and generosity. Let’s extend these values to all animals as well.”  

Freedom for Animals Campaigns Officer, Isobel McNally, said:   

“Every year we see reindeer torn from their herds, crammed into small vans and trailers, and transported sometimes hundreds of miles, only to be used as props for selfies. In parades, markets, town squares, and even pubs, these sensitive animals are subjected to environments that we know pose a very real risk to their physical and psychological health. Using reindeer as attractions always takes more from the animals than it gives to the events; it’s time to end this cruel practice for good.” 

Animal Aid Campaigner, Nina Copleston-Hawkens, said:  

“The irony of using reindeer in festive events is extraordinary. Whilst reindeer became popular at Christmastime due to their association with wide expanses of snow, freedom to roam and magic - their lives in captivity in the UK are restricted, unfulfilling and bleak. From the stress of transportation and pulling Santa’s sleigh, to the fear caused by unfamiliar environments, bright lights, loud noises and interaction with the public, events for reindeer are hellish. And as prey animals, they hide their stress, making it even harder to detect their suffering. It’s time for magic without the misery; it’s time for events to stop using live reindeer and go animal-free”. 

Born Free’s Captivity Research & Policy Manager, Chris Lewis said: 

 “The thought of reindeer at Christmas time should evoke magical and joyous emotions at one of the happiest times of the year. Yet the use of reindeer at festive events is a time of misery for the animals involved, with serious, negative impacts on their health and welfare. We, at Born Free, urge everyone to pledge to never attend festive events with reindeer and for venues and organisers to commit to staging events which are wild animal-free.”