Shocking undercover footage shows reindeer kicked amid awful conditions at UK farms ahead of Christmas

Jacob Jarvis6 November 2018

Distressing footage of reindeers being violently kicked and a worker screaming abuse has been captured by hidden cameras at a lodge in the UK.

Recordings made by devices placed by charity Animal Aid show a staff member swinging his foot at the animals on two occasions as they are placed in pens.

In another incident at the Reindeer Centre, in Kent, a man yells profane abuse at one as it runs away.

The centre has said the worker who struck the animals was only employed for a short time and no longer works there, stating its animals are “much loved and well cared for”.

One of the moments a reindeer is kicked
Animal Aid

Issues at two other locations homing reindeers were also raised by Animal Aid ahead of Christmas, which has warned people off going to events where the animals are displayed during the festive period.

The organisation’s campaign manager, Tor Bailey 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 RSPCA is looking into the situation and has condemned the violence. It also expressed concerns about the use of reindeer at Christmas events.

A reindeer with its ribs showing
Animal Aid

A spokesperson said: “It is never acceptable to kick an animal and we are looking into this.

“We are really concerned that every year, reindeer are used across the country at festive events and exposed to a busy environment, surrounded by crowds, noise and lights, and this can cause these semi-wild animals a great deal of stress.”

They also explained that the animals are semi-wild and adapted to arctic environments, so therefore it is difficult for them to remain healthy in the UK.

A statement from the Reindeer Centre in Kent, shared on its Facebook page, said: “Firstly, I would like to say that all of our animals are much loved and well cared for as can be seen by our many visitors throughout the year. The person involved was one of several new part time staff that we took on to help out. He was dismissed as unsuitable after a short period of time.”

It then added that the situation was discussed with the RSPCA and a vet.

“Although we were made aware that someone had illegally placed cameras on our premises we have only just seen the full footage,” it added.

“We understand peoples [sic] concerns and distress and I can only confirm we as a family care passionately about our animals.”

A reindeer at another site with fur missing and exposed skin
Animal Aid

At two other sites Animal Aid expressed worries that reindeer were kept in substandard conditions, with fur missing and visible ribs, but had not captured other deliberate abuse.

Cameras were in place at centres from November 2017 and throughout 2018.

One farm seen at points, Blithbury Lodge, has said its reindeer are happy and healthy.

A statement from the lodge said: "Reindeer naturally lose their fur from January in clumps and they snap their antlers frequently."

​It also distanced itself from where the kick happened in Kent, reiterating they were not affiliated.

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