Richmond Christmas Fair cancels reindeer after welfare row

The decision has divided opinion, with some residents expressing disappointment that children will miss out on seeing the animals, while animal rights campaigners have welcomed the move.

The event, which is part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, is run annually by Richmond Business and Tourism Association.

Organisers had advertised that "actual reindeer" could feature at this year's event, which will be held on Sunday, November 29.

However, in a statement issued this week, the committee said it had cancelled the booking following discussions about the strength of feeling surrounding the issue.

It is understood the move was prompted by a number of critical posts on social media.

Organisers acknowledged that the controversy had created additional pressure for those involved in putting on the event.

They said: “As many people know, the Richmond Christmas Fair is organised entirely by volunteers.”

“It takes hundreds of hours of planning throughout the year, and a great deal of time and effort in the weeks leading up to the event.”

“While we respect that people have different views, the strength of feeling surrounding this issue has created additional pressure for those giving their time freely to make the fair happen.”

In a further explanation, organisers said the decision had been taken to protect volunteers from harassment and stress, as well as to avoid potential disruption on the day.

They added: “The decision was made to protect the hard-working volunteers from undue harassment and stress in the lead-up to the event and also to protect the enjoyment of the day for everyone from protests that were building.”

The committee said it had concluded that withdrawing the attraction was the most sensible way forward.

“In the end, we felt the kindest and most sensible course of action was to step back from this particular attraction and focus our energy on delivering a positive and enjoyable event for everyone.”

Organisers acknowledged that some families would be disappointed but insisted there would still be plenty of festive entertainment and activities for all ages.

They said the fair remained focused on bringing the community together, supporting local organisations and providing a welcoming start to the Christmas season.

Organisers also stressed that they had every confidence in the company booked to provide the animals.

They said: “We would like to reassure everyone that this decision does not reflect any concerns about the company we had booked.”

“Throughout the process, we found them to be professional, knowledgeable and clearly dedicated to the welfare of their animals.”

The committee said the reindeer would have been cared for solely by experienced handlers and that their welfare had always been an important consideration.

But the decision prompted criticism on social media, with one commentator describing it as a “poor decision giving in to the woke bullies”.

Another said: “It’s sad when a few paranoid people ruin things for everyone.”

Others expressed disappointment that the attraction would no longer go ahead.

One parent said: “That's a shame as my son was looking forward to seeing them.”

Another commenter added: “Such a shame! Would have been a really nice festive addition to the day.”

However, the decision was welcomed by animal welfare campaigners and some members of the public.

One social media user said: “This is a good decision. The photos and stories when the reindeers were used in Middlesbrough for a similar event last year were awful.”

The North East Animal Rights group also welcomed the announcement.

A spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We welcome the decision to remove the reindeer and wish the organisers a successful animal-free event.”