Richmond Christmas Fair drops live reindeer after animal welfare objections

Right · 2Richmond Business and Tourism Association, which runs Richmond Christmas Fair in North Yorkshire, has withdrawn live reindeer from this year's event on Sunday 29 November, after advertising that "actual reindeer" could feature. 1 2 Right · 1The Daily Mail said the suggestion caused an uproar on social media and led to the booking being cancelled. 1 Right · 2In a statement the organisers said the fair is run entirely by volunteers, and that the decision was made to protect them from "undue harassment and stress" and to protect the day from "protests that were building". 1 2

Right · 2They said the decision did not reflect any concerns about the company they had booked, which they described as "professional, knowledgeable and clearly dedicated to the welfare of their animals". 1 2 Right · 1The Daily Mail reported that the committee said the reindeer would have been cared for solely by experienced handlers, and that the fair, part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, will still offer other festive activities. 1 Right · 1North East Animal Rights said it welcomed the decision and wished the organisers "a successful animal-free event"; GB News said it told the Local Democracy Reporting Service this. 2

Right · 2Reaction on social media was divided: one parent said their son had been looking forward to seeing the reindeer and one poster said it was sad "when a few paranoid people ruin things for everyone", while another called it a "good decision". 2 1 Right · 1GB News added that reindeer are a common UK Christmas market attraction whose presence is controversial because they are often kept in a pen while the public approach, and that hire starts from around £400. 2