Animal welfare campaigners are urging authorities to prohibit the use of live reindeer at Christmas events, arguing that the animals’ wellbeing is being compromised.
The charity One Kind says it gathered evidence last year suggesting reindeer were experiencing psychological stress at festive appearances, including the Merry Milngavie Christmas parade near Glasgow and several other events across Scotland.
According to the group, footage and photographs show the animals being exposed to crowded environments, loud music, bright lights and unpredictable public interactions — conditions they believe are unsuitable for reindeer.
“We’re calling for an end to the use of live reindeer at festive attractions,” said Eve Massie Bishop, One Kind’s head of campaigns. “These animals are transported year after year into busy, noisy spaces where they have little control over their surroundings. The evidence indicates this may be causing distress and compromising their welfare.”
To assess the material, campaigners consulted animal welfare research and policy specialist Dr Tayla Hammond, who said the images revealed worrying signs of stress in some of the animals.
“What stood out to me was how many reindeer displayed behaviours associated with distress,” she explained. “These included wide, alert eyes showing the white sclera, tense body posture, heavy breathing, and remaining motionless or unresponsive. These are recognised indicators that an animal is struggling to cope with its environment.”
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, which supplies reindeer for many festive events, strongly disputes the claims. The organisation says its animals are cared for to a high standard that exceeds legal welfare requirements.
Co-owner Tilly Smith said the allegations were unfounded. “We absolutely reject the suggestion that our reindeer are harmed or traumatised by these events,” she said. “We are experienced and responsible herders, and after appearances the reindeer return to their natural environment on the hill.”
Smith also encouraged critics to visit the herd and see their care practices firsthand. While acknowledging that festive events generate income, she said they are not the herd’s primary source of funding, which mainly comes from visitors engaging with the animals in their natural habitat.
Supporters of the campaign, including Freedom for Animals, say they have identified 11 locations across Scotland where reindeer are used at Christmas events, ranging from the Highlands to central and western towns.
Both sides maintain that animal welfare is their priority. The Scottish government said existing legislation already places clear responsibility on anyone working with animals to ensure their needs are met and their wellbeing protected under the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act.