Lapland UK have come back to me with the following response and I'm afraid it is simply them trying to justify their use of live animals. The response is as follows:

"Thank you for getting in touch to express your concerns. 

Please rest assured that LaplandUK is very happy with the welfare standards of the company who are providing the reindeer and have been working with them for a number of years; we are also very happy with the welfare standards overseen by the husky owners/handlers, and standards upheld by the animal handling agency. 

The reindeer are happy, very healthy and relaxed which will become evident to all that see them. All human reindeer interaction is determined by the reindeer who have the freedom and sufficient space to move around at will. Whilst on display the reindeer exhibit all the natural behaviour they would do if they were at home. Lapland UK has always provided an enclosure to the highest standards and has been designed in full consultation with the reindeer owner. The visitors/guests are able to watch the reindeer but no close interaction will be taking place and the reindeer are in the open air. The company also has a recommendation letter from the Veterinary Surgeon responsible for their herd health. It is acknowledged that reindeer should only be kept by specialist licensed owners and specialist Reindeer Vets which support the herd.   

Additionally, we would like to address some misinformation in regards to the huskies in both your petition, and email to us. In this you reference the following: "it seems they will simply be kept on leads in a small room for children to pet which is completely unnatural for them." and "closing them up in a room all day being prodded, poked and stared at is completely unnatural and cruel. Due to their thick fur, Huskies can easily overheat so being stuck indoors where thermal comfort will be tailored to paying guests rather than the Huskies themselves could lead to serious incredible discomfort for them and serious health conditions".  We do agree that these conditions for the huskies would be unfair, and concerning, however, this is false, and is not how the huskies are handled at LaplandUK, and we would appreciate if this incorrect information was removed from your petition statement. 

Please rest assured that the welfare of our huskies (and reindeer) is paramount, and therefore, for the majority of their time on-site, the huskies are "backstage" away from our visitors/guests; this area is outdoors in the forest, and the huskies are not kept inside. When the huskies are brought out for guests to see them, they are with their handlers at all times, and it is advised that guests do not touch them to ensure that the dogs are comfortable, and not distressed. 

We hope this helps to reassure you. Additionally, we can assure you that your feedback is taken incredibly seriously, and will be reviewed by the Management team. 

Warm wishes, 

Adam 
Head of Guest Experience"

I have responded with the following e-mail:

"Thank you for your e-mail.

However, it is complete misinformation to state that "whilst on display the reindeer exhibit all the natural behaviour they would do if they were at home". A reindeer's home is the Arctic tundra where they travel up to 40 miles a day and are free to wander at will. Are you stating that this is the case at Lapland UK? I'm presuming that this is not since you have also stated they are in and enclosure so I would respectfully request that you stop stating this false information in response to those contacting you with animal welfare concerns.

Thank you for clarifying the situation with the Huskies. I will amend the petition to reflect the huskies enclosure but the fact that the huskies are ferried back and forth to guests is still cruel, unnatural and distressing for these animals - they are living, breathing, sentient beings not entertainment props. Furthermore simply "advising" guests not to touch the huskies does not mean that guests, especially children, will not touch them so they are still in a precarious position and this environment will still be distressing to them. In addition, exactly how many times a day are the huskies brought inside to be stared at by strangers in an unknown and unnatural environment? Is this scheduled or is it as and when guests turn up? Furthermore, being inside a presumably well heated room aimed at thermal comfort for guests is not good for them as they have such thick coats. I'm afraid that your vague response and scripted assurances do little to assuage my concerns on these animal's welfare. 

Furthermore, I am afraid it is unimportant if you are very happy with the standards of the husky owners/handlers as it is not yourselves who are having to live an unnatural and stressful lives and who is being used as an entertainment prop. The animals are and will remain the prime concern for myself and many others and to use any live animals for human entertainment is absolutely abhorrent.

Lapland UK can try and justify their use of animals as much as they want but there is absolutely no excuse for using live animals in your event. Until you agree to ban live animals from future events and instead opt for cruelty free alternatives then I am afraid that this matter will not drop and with growing support you need to start listening to the public and realise that the 21st century has no place for the use of live animals as "entertainment". Overnight the petition has gone from 1500 signatures to over 11,000 so I really do think that Lapland UK are underestimating just how strong opposition to using live animals is and you seriously need to reconsider your position on this matter and for future events as this is adversely affecting your brand and the public's feeling towards you already. "

We knew that this wouldn't be easy as Lapland UK are stubborn in their support of using live animals but we will not let one response dissuade us or discourage us from our goal and resistance was anticipated! Please feel free to e-mail Lapland UK yourself expressing your disappointment at their use of live animals at: enquiries@laplanduk.co.uk The more of us that express concern and disgust the more they will have to listen and the bigger the impact we will have.

Please also contact them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LaplandUK/ and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/laplanduk/ to ask them to cease using live animals in their events.

With over 10.00 signatures overnight this petition is growing in momentum and we have a real chance of persuading Lapland UK to ditch their use of live animals in 2023.

We can do this!