Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Animal welfare campaigners are urging a prohibition on the use of live reindeer in Christmas events across Scotland, citing evidence of significant distress among the animals. The charity One Kind has presented footage from the Merry Milngavie Christmas parade near Glasgow and other festive gatherings last year, suggesting the reindeer exhibited signs of psychological strain. Despite these claims, the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, responsible for many of these appearances, maintains that their animals are housed under conditions that surpass the necessary licensing standards.
Eve Massie Bishop, head of campaigns at One Kind, expressed concern about the environment these reindeer are exposed to during public events. She highlighted the challenges faced by the animals, such as being transported to locations filled with noise, bright lighting, and large crowds. Bishop stated, “Evidence shows that these events are likely leading to reindeer experiencing psychological distress, lack of agency and an unsuitable environment.” Her comments underscore a belief that the typical festive setting is not conducive to the well-being of the reindeer involved.
Supporting this viewpoint, animal welfare researcher Dr Tayla Hammond reviewed images and videos captured at several Scottish events last year and noted disturbing signs of stress in the animals. Describing her observations, Hammond said, “The most concerning part for me was how many reindeer showed signs of stress. We have the wide eyes, showing the white sclera around it, the tense hyper-vigilant posture, heavy breathing and lying down or standing completely still and unresponsive. These are well-recognised signs an animal is stressed and they’re struggling to cope with their environment.” These indicators formed the basis of welfare concerns raised by campaigners.
Meanwhile, Cairngorm Reindeer Herd’s co-owner Tilly Smith firmly disputed the allegations that the events cause harm. She emphasized the care and honesty of the herders, noting that the animals return to their natural habitat after appearances at Christmas functions. Smith remarked, “We have nothing to hide. They make comments about how reindeer are scarred by the events that we do, that is not the case. We are good, honest reindeer herders and these reindeer come back on the hill after they’ve done their work.” She also encouraged critics to visit and see firsthand how the animals are cared for. While acknowledging income is earned from these events, Smith clarified that their primary revenue stems from visitors who engage with the reindeer on their mountain home.
Freedom for Animals, an organisation backing the call to end live reindeer use in public festivities, has catalogued eleven Scottish locations—including Portree, Lairg, Inverurie, Dunoon, Paisley, and Dunfermline—where reindeer feature in Christmas events. Both advocates and herders express their commitment to the animals’ welfare. Reflecting the regulatory framework, the Scottish government reaffirmed that “The Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act is clear on the obligations of anyone working with animals to ensure that they are cared for and their needs are met.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.