MPs push for 'Santa Clause' to stop reindeer being taken out of UK for slaughter

23 December 2023 , 18:20

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The amendment would include the festive beasts in the animal welfare bill (Image: Getty Images)

Reindeer would get special protection under the law under a move dubbed the “Santa clause” by MPs.

The Lib Dems tabled an amendment to the Animal Welfare Bill currently going through parliament, singling out the festive beasts. Tabled by former leader Tim Farron, the amendment seeks to ensure that live reindeer cannot be taken out of Britain for slaughter elsewhere.

It comes after the Mirror revealed a British company is advertising reindeer shooting 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” trips would take place during three weeks in late summer.

Mr Farron said: “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 in the Animal Welfare (Livestock exports) bill. The bill would ban the export of certain live animals for slaughter, after years of campaigning by activists including actress Dame Joanna Lumley.

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The current list includes cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. No live animals have been exported for slaughter since the Government announced plans to ban the practice in 2021.

But the new law will ensure this is put on a permanent basis. Last year, one batch of two live reindeer was exported from the UK, but it’s thought this was for exhibition rather 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.”

Mikey Smith