We the undersigned wish to make a formal complaint in relation to your inclusion of live reindeer performances in your Christmas switch on 1st December 2013 

Reindeer are NOT performing animals In the wild, reindeer live in groups with some travelling between 9-40 miles a day in the same region, while others migrate up to 750 miles twice a year. 

Research by I Kojola found that reindeer prefer to be near to other members of their own herd, and would be found nearest to a former herd member 12.5% more often than expected. 

The inappropriateness of keeping reindeer in the UK has been reported in several national papers. The Times Online in 2010 cited research conducted by Dr Aiden Foster which said of reindeer: “They are not like other livestock. It is very difficult to keep these animals here. 
They are semi-wild and vulnerable to the diseases and parasites carried by British farm animals.” 

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency in its quarterly surveillance reports which highlight diseases and infections occurring in certain “captive exotic and farmed species” stated that: “In 
2008 a rise in the number of reindeer submissions was observed compared with previous years and the number of submissions in 2009 was similar to 2008.” The two most common diagnoses 
were both conditions which were associated with death. The report states that “In several submissions it was apparent that inappropriate diets were fed.” 

In the wild, reindeer have available a huge wide range of food. At least 62 species of lichen and 282 kinds of seed plants are known to form part of their diet in North America alone. 

we ask that you please re consider inclusion of reindeer within your Christmas lights switch on.