As the festive season approaches, reindeer across the UK will be transported throughout Scotland, England, and Wales to be showcased in Christmas celebrations. We are collaborating with Animal Aid, Born Free, and Freedom for Animals to put an end to this exploitative practice. 

These animals, native to the Arctic Tundra, will be confined to small enclosures at garden centres, shopping centres, and adventure parks for public entertainment. They may also be made to pull sleighs down busy high streets and transported to homes and primary schools.

We need your help.

Take action

Below, you’ll find an interactive map with the contact details of venues that have announced events featuring live reindeer this year.

Please reach out to the venues in your local area (refer to the interactive map below) to urge them to cease using reindeer. We have provided a letter/email template for our supporters (available for download or pasted below), but we encourage you to use your own words as much as possible. A personalised letter will have a greater impact. 

Download email template

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Email template

“I am writing to urge you to reconsider the use of live reindeer in your Christmas celebrations and to cease using them in future events. 

Last year, 44 events that had previously used animals made the responsible decision to instead host successful, reindeer-free events. Since 2018, at least 153 events have ceased using reindeer. 

The animal welfare issues of these events are well-documented. The unnatural environment, inability to exhibit natural behaviours, constant and unpredictable interactions, long-distance travel, repeated loading and unloading, and the stress of pulling Santa’s sleigh all contribute to their distress, fear and mental fatigue. Transportation and the events themselves can also compromise their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease and infection. 

A recent report “The Welfare Needs of Captive Reindeer Used for Entertainment Events in the UK: a review,” highlights the detrimental effects these events have on reindeer welfare. Dr. Tayla Hammond, a researcher in animal welfare and behaviour, concludes in the report that such events should be discontinued due to the significant welfare concerns identified. 

Veterinarians across the UK have long expressed concerns about the suitability of reindeer for captivity. Common issues include poor body weight, weight loss, and muscle atrophy. 

Given the welfare concerns and the move away from the use of reindeer by many events, I kindly ask that you also reconsider your decision to display these animals. No reindeer should suffer for festive entertainment. 

I look forward to your response. 

Kind regards, 

 ...” 

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44 events cease using reindeer

Your activism is helping to reduce the number of reindeer suffering each Christmas. 

44 events that used live animals between 2018-2022 confirmed to us that they held animal-free Christmas celebrations instead in 2023.  

In addition, 109 events that used live animals between 2018-2022 did not explicitly confirm themselves that their events were animal-free last year, but they did not advertise the use of animals, nor did it appear that they used animals. 

Learn more about the campaign