In footage at Kent Reindeer Centre, a worker is shown kicking a reindeer twice, as well as shouting abuse at the animals. Several animals across three centres also had visible ribs while several were kept in 'desolate' and 'unnatural' conditions.
BRYONY JEWELL: ‘This shocking footage shows the alleged ‘shocking suffering’ endured by reindeer at UK farms – including one being kicked by a keeper, according to an animal charity. Animal Aid said they collected undercover footage from three farms across the country in 2017 and 2018. The welfare charity claims they found reindeer with raw, exposed skin, diarrhoea and skeletal abnormalities.
In footage they claim was taken at Kent Reindeer Centre in May 2018 a worker is shown kicking a reindeer twice, as well as shouting abuse at the animals. Several animals across three centres also had visible ribs while several were kept in ‘desolate’ and ‘unnatural’ conditions, the charity claims. The also said they found reindeer with ‘patchy fur, bowed legs and broken antlers.’
Tor Bailey, campaign manager at Animal Aid, said: “Our investigations have revealed the shocking suffering of these gentle animals. Reindeer are sensitive wild animals, not props to be paraded around and used for human entertainment. I would urge the general public not to support events which feature live captive animals and find other more animal-friendly ways to enjoy the festive period”…
The footage and photos come after government figures show that between 2014 to 2017, 571 reindeer were imported from Sweden, Finland and Norway. Animal Aid claim that once they are brought to the UK – usually to be used in festive grotto and reindeer parades – they are susceptible to a variety of diseases and pathogens… They get stressed easily and are very susceptible to many health and welfare problems when kept in permanent captivity in the UK, particularly in southern areas’. SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: