Each year, as Christmas approaches, event organisers around the country begin to advertise live reindeer parades and shows. Often held in shopping centres or in busy marketplaces, these animals which are perfectly adapted to live in huge herds in the cold arctic and sub arctic regions of the world are transported up and down the country to be placed in small pens under glaring lights, surrounded by people and noise for days on end. This needs to stop!

Our Burslem are planning to use live reindeer at their Christmas lights switch on this year on Friday 30th November. They do not seem to realise the utter cruelty involved in these events when live animals are used simply as props.

Reindeer are extremely sensitive creatures that can be easily stressed out. Loud crowds and noises can be very stressful for them, nevermind the fact that they'll be stuck in a small space all day being prodded by children.

This event can still go ahead without exploiting live animals, and it will still be just as enjoyable for the children and adults. Leave reindeer and all live animals where they belong and out of Santa's grotto on the busy streets of the UK!