MPs push for ‘Santa Clause’ to cease reindeer being taken out of UK for slaughter

On Dec 25, 2023

Reindeer would get particular safety below the regulation below a transfer dubbed the “Santa clause” by MPs.

The Lib Dems tabled an modification to the Animal Welfare Bill at the moment going via parliament, singling out the festive beasts. Tabled by former chief Tim Farron, the modification seeks to make sure that reside reindeer can’t be taken out of Britain for slaughter elsewhere.

It comes after the Mirror revealed a British firm is promoting reindeer taking pictures holidays this Christmas. Hendry, Ramsay & Waters – run by businessman Vernon Waters – boasts that it “is pleased to be able to offer Moose and trophy Reindeer hunting in the North Eastern part of Norway”. The “exclusive” journeys would happen throughout three weeks in late summer time.

Mr Farron mentioned: “Families this Christmas would be appalled to learn that reindeer don’t have the protections they need under UK law. From British companies advertising reindeer shooting holidays to these animals facing being exported for slaughter, tragically too many reindeer are at risk of cruel treatment.”

If MPs vote for it on 15 January, the ‘Santa clause’ would add reindeer to the ‘relevant livestock’ listed within the Animal Welfare (Livestock exports) invoice. The invoice would ban the export of sure reside animals for slaughter, after years of campaigning by activists together with actress Dame Joanna Lumley.

The present checklist consists of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. No reside animals have been exported for slaughter for the reason that Government introduced plans to ban the apply in 2021.

But the brand new regulation will guarantee that is placed on a everlasting foundation. Last 12 months, one batch of two reside reindeer was exported from the UK, nevertheless it’s thought this was for exhibition moderately than slaughter.

Mr Farron added: “This Christmas, I can’t think of a better present than MPs backing our ‘Santa Clause’ amendment, to ensure reindeer get the protections they deserve.”