Reindeer become stressed at Christmas, the RSPCA has claimed.
The charity said the animals were being “exploited”, suffering from trembling, weight loss and psychological distress at meet-and-greet stalls.
Their physical and mental illnesses are said to happen while they live in captivity and are forced to regularly travel long distances.
More than 20 animal charities, including the RSPCA, Animal Aid and Born Free have now called for an end to the use of reindeer at entertainment exhibits in an open letter.
“The evidence is clear – reindeer suffer when used for events,” the letter reads.
“The pressures of regular long-distance travel, exposure to unnatural environments, physical labour such as pulling sleighs, and the lack of agency inherent in constant unfamiliar and unpredictable interactions with the public, result in reindeer used in festive entertainment being at severe risk of physical and mental fatigue and associated illnesses.”
It adds that research shows captive reindeer commonly suffer from unhealthy body weight, weight loss, muscle atrophy and general malaise.
Reindeer are ‘really suffering’
The charities added that there was “overwhelming evidence” that the unnatural environments for the animals, which are originally from the Arctic, at live events lead to “psychological distress and a state of poor welfare”.
Jennah Green, a senior scientific officer at the RSPCA, said: “While we all love the magic and imagery of the festive season, the reality is that reindeer are being exploited and are really suffering.
“Reindeer are simply not suitable for use at Christmas markets or other commercial entertainment events.”
She also said: “We know these events are hugely popular at this time of year and widely advertised – but safer alternatives exist that are packed with festive fun without putting animals at risk.”
She added that since 2018, around 153 Christmas events had become animal-free.
Sarah Sutton, who has run the Somerset Reindeer Ranch in Yeovil for 14 years, recently came under fire when hunt saboteurs complained about her farm.
Mrs Sutton, who keeps 10 reindeer on her farm, now fears she will have to stop selling “meet-and-feed” experiences after her local council ruled that the creatures were “wild animals” and that she needed a zoo licence to continue operating.
The 51-year-old said the cost of the licence would “finish the business” and potentially force her to euthanise the reindeer, because she would no longer be able to afford to feed them.
Mrs Sutton had been allowed to run the farm without a licence until a complaint was made to the council earlier this year.