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Experience Guildford has decided to withdraw reindeer from the town's Christmas lights switch-on event on Thursday (November 15) following a recent report published by Animal Aid.

The animal welfare organisation has investigated the life of captive reindeer in the UK since November 2017 and says it has discovered some "shocking" results.

The organisation is now calling on all event organisers to halt the use of live captive reindeer in festive events.

Experience Guildford said in a statement: "In light of a report recently published by animal protection organisation, Animal Aid, we have decided to withdraw the reindeer from this week’s Guildford Christmas lights switch-on event.

"We applaud the work of Animal Aid in their quest to safeguard animals in captivity in the UK. Since learning the outcome of their 12-month investigation on Monday (November 12), we will no longer support captive reindeer events.

"We hope that you understand the decision that has been made and we apologise for any disappointment caused."

Animal Aid filmed at three different reindeer centres from November 2017 and throughout 2018.

Their extensive investigations at UK reindeer farms uncovered some shocking suffering, including:

deliberate animal abuse, including reindeer being shouted at and kicked;

poorly-looking reindeer with raw, exposed skin, diarrhoea and skeletal abnormalities; and

animals displayed for hours on end under bright lights with significant noise, with nowhere to retreat to.

The worst finding was at Kent Reindeer Centre. Video footage taken on hidden cameras shows a worker kicking a reindeer on two different occasions as well as shouting abuse at them.

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At Cheshire Reindeer Lodge, Animal Aid was faced with the sight of reindeer whose outdoor access appeared to consist of just a barren yard. Several animals also had visible ribs.

Animal Aid's farming campaign manager, Tor Bailey, said: "Our investigations have revealed the shocking suffering of these gentle animals.

"Reindeer are sensitive wild animals, not props to be paraded around and used for human entertainment.

"I would urge the general public not to support events which feature live captive animals and find other more animal-friendly ways to enjoy the festive period."

She added: "We’re very grateful to Experience Guildford for taking the courageous decision not to have captive reindeer at Thursday’s light switch-on event.

"I very much look forward to attending with a smile on my face and not a banner in my hand. I hope that many will turn out to support, what promises to be a progressive, positive and joyous occasion. I hope that other event organisers will take note."

Government figures obtained by a Freedom of Information request have revealed that reindeer kept in the UK perish from a range of generalised issues including parasitic, gastric and digestive issues, malnutrition, wasting and nervous conditions.

From 2014 to 2017, figures show that 571 reindeer were imported from Sweden, Finland and Norway.

Once brought to the UK with its different climate, they are susceptible to a variety of diseases and pathogens, Animal Aid says.

Dr John Fletcher, founder of the Veterinary Reindeer Society, said: "Reindeer have adapted to live in the Arctic.

"They are not well able to cope with the stress of captivity, and most of the diseases we see here in reindeer are stress-related."