Organisers of Reindeer Day in Lancaster hit back after petition calls for ban

Organisers of a day where families can meet reindeer in a Lancaster shopping centre have hit back after calls to ban the event.

Lancaster BID (Business Improvement District) is running its regular Reindeer Day on Sunday December 1 at St Nic's Arcades.

Lancaster Animal Protection has launched an online petition called 'Stop Lancaster BID's Reindeer Day' which at time of writing, had 1385 backers.

They said: "Reindeer should be at home with their families like we are at Christmas."

But the BID said they "would like to reassure the public that we care deeply about the welfare of the animals and ensure they are always well cared for".

They also said they'd had "numerous messages of support" for the event.

The petition at Change.org says:

"Because of this event these animals are: 

"Forced to travel long distances from their home in a national park in Scotland.

"Placed on a cold, hard concrete floor, in a small pen in a loud, busy shopping centre with lots of shoppers.

"Unable to exhibit their natural behaviours resulting in stress and illness.

"There is a wealth of information available as to how harmful these events can be, such as Freedom for Animals' campaign content, and recent research published by OneKind in Scotland.

"In the past six years 153 annual festive events that previously used live animals as props have seen sense and now plan compassionate, animal-free celebrations. We simply want our city to be one of them, and you can help!

"Stopping this event will save the reindeer from the ordeal of this event. Let’s create a magical Christmas for reindeers and send the very clear message that Lancaster does not welcome the mistreatment of reindeer. Keep the reindeer home this Christmas!"

A spokesperson for Lancaster BID said on Monday: "Lancaster BID is aware of the petition against this event and would like to reassure the public that we care deeply about the welfare of the animals and ensure they are always well cared for.

"Whilst we respect that individuals may have their own beliefs, the data being used by Lancaster Animal Protection is misleading and is largely not applicable to the reindeer we bring to the city.

"Lancaster BID have only ever booked reindeer from the Cairngorm Reindeer herd which roam freely in the Cairngorm mountains throughout the year, other than travelling to festive events for a maximum of two weeks.

"In contrast, the evidence put forward with the petition specifically states it focuses on reindeer kept in a captive environment. The report being shared states that ‘For good welfare, reindeer need a cold climate, space to roam and browse away from other species, an appropriate social group, shelter, and multiple food and water sources.’

"The Cairngorms is the only habitat in the UK which provides these conditions ensuring the welfare needs of the herd are fully met.

"Furthermore, the report lists a number of recommended steps which can be taken to support the welfare of reindeer used at events. We are delighted to confirm that these recommendations are in line with procedures followed at all times by Cairngorm Reindeer.

"The reindeer have regular breaks during travel and usually stop overnight at nearby farms before arriving in Lancaster.

"They have constant access to fresh water and specialist forage and are accompanied by experienced handlers at all times who work to care for the reindeer throughout the year and are alert to any signs of illness or distress.

"The reindeer are domesticated and have a close relationship with people. When roaming freely in the mountains, they choose to mingle with visiting public and come to a call from the handlers, even when they have the freedom to roam the whole mountain. This proves how comfortable they are with human company.

"Staff from the Cairngorm Reindeer are very happy to speak to anyone about the welfare of the animals at the event. They also welcome people to visit them in the mountains, where BID staff have previously visited to see for ourselves how well they are looked after.

"We are aware that Lancaster Animal Protection has contacted businesses across the city raising their concerns about the event.

"To date, we have only been contacted by one business opposed to the event compared with numerous messages of support.

"We believe that support for the event is still strong and hope this information reassures the public of the steps taken to ensure that the welfare of the animals remains a priority at all times.

"We look forward to welcoming people to Reindeer Day on Sunday 1st December."

The reindeer will be on display between noon and 3pm accompanied by Santa.

The event will also include free face painting and fairground rides to keep the children entertained between 11am and 4pm.

The Reindeer Day is part of a huge line-up of events for Christmas organised by Lancaster BID.

This kicks off with the Lancaster Christmas Lights Switch On in Market Square on Sunday, November 24.

On Sunday December 8, BID presents Lancaster's Winter Wonderland as giant show globes parade through the city featuring snow princesses, a giant animatronic snow lion and winter sprites.

On Sunday December 15, Lancaster Music Festival will host a special Christmas event of festive live music in Marketgate and St Nics Arcades shopping centres, and on the Market Square plinth.

Finally on Sunday December 22, Christmas Characters in the City will feature special appearances by The Grinch, winter goblins and a larger than life Elf on the Shelf!

A special Santa's Grotto on a Stagecoach bus will also be open in Lancaster city centre during selected Sundays in December.

The BID will also run their annual Christmas Toy Appeal to raise funds for charities.

Lancaster BID is a private company which represents businesses in the city centre.

It spends money collected from a levy paid by businesses, to run events and make other improvements to the city.

Read more: Biggest ever series of Christmas family events announced for Lancaster city centre - Beyond Radio