Library:The welfare needs of captive reindeer used for entertainment events in the UK (report)
The welfare needs of captive reindeer used for entertainment events in the UK: a review is a report written by Dr Tayla Hammond in August 2023. The report examines the welfare issues of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) that are kept in captivity and used for festive celebrations, such as winter wonderland settings, festive markets and parades. The report uses the Five Domains model, a framework for assessing animal welfare, to identify and evaluate the welfare needs of captive reindeer in the UK, and to describe the impact of captivity and entertainment shows on their welfare. The report also provides recommendations for improving reindeer welfare in the UK.
The main findings and recommendations of the report are:
- There is a substantial literature base on reindeer welfare across four physical domains (nutrition, physical environment, health and behavioural interactions), but none on the mental domain. Most studies focused on wild or semi-domestic populations, not captive ones.
- Captivity and entertainment shows pose significant challenges to reindeer welfare, especially in terms of nutrition, physical environment and behavioural interactions. Reindeer are wild animals that have evolved to thrive in the harsh Arctic and sub-Arctic environments, and their use in festive events is an overwhelmingly negative experience.
- A reindeer welfare stakeholder group should be established in the UK to develop guidelines and direct further research for the keeping of reindeer in captive conditions.
- The research base should be broadened and a tool should be developed to assess reindeer welfare, with a focus on the emotional and cognitive function of captive reindeer.
- The use of reindeer in entertainment events should be ceased, as it is likely to cause psychological distress and poor welfare.