AS Christmas fast approaches, reindeer are being transported up and down the country to be used as entertainment in parades, 'Santa's grottos' and other festive events.

Uprooting reindeer from their natural habitat and keeping them in captivity in this way is believed to cause significant health and welfare problems, and according to research at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, is thought to be linked to the recent increase in deaths in young reindeer, including seven reindeer who died from liver and gut flukes in Shropshire and another who died from a lung disease on a farm near Winchester. Quite simply, reindeer are not suited to living in the UK.

Animal Aid urges people to be compassionate this Christmas, and choose cruelty-free entertainment. For a free guide to having a Compassionate Christmas, please contact Animal Aid on 01732 364546 or info@animalaid.org.uk

ASHLEY OWEN,

Animal Aid, Kent.