Reindeer have been removed from the Christmas attraction at one of Wales’ most luxurious hotels after they were kept in ‘unsatisfactory conditions’.
Each year, the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport holds a Christmas Kingdom attraction which features reindeer and a Santa’s grotto.
But a member of the public and a concerned worker contacted the RSPCA and Newport Council over concerns for the welfare of the reindeer.
The worker, who did not want to be named, told Metro.co.uk: ‘They were obviously distressed and were on show from 8am until midnight, children were pulling their antlers and fur and they became so upset they began attacking one another.
Each year, the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport holds a Christmas Kingdom attraction which features reindeer and a Santa’s grotto
But a member of the public contacted the RSPCA and Newport council over concerns for the welfare of the reindeer
Staff were advised that the enclosure was not suitable, and the resort decided to close the attraction and return the reindeer to their home in Kent
‘They were walking back and forth in high distress and they were in a bad emotional and mental state. They are in a pen for weeks on end and never let out, no walks nothing- never with no animal handler there to look after them.
‘There had been three but one had been injured by another so two had to do all of the work.’
An officer for Newport council’s trading standards team visited the Celtic Manor Resort to check the conditions in which the reindeer were being kept.
Staff were advised that the enclosure was not suitable, and the resort decided to close the attraction and return the reindeer to their home in Kent.
A spokesman for the RSPCA said: ‘At this special time of year, we understand that seeing a ‘real’ reindeer can add to the magic of the festive season. However, reindeer require lots of specialist care, are not easy to look after properly, and are susceptible to stress and a host of health and welfare problems if not kept in the right conditions.
Home of The 2010 Ryder Cup and host venue of the NATO Summit 2014, the five-star Celtic Manor Resort is set in more than 2,000 acres of greenery
The hotel has won numerous awards and accreditations over the years, including UK Sport Venue of the Year and Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year for 2011
‘We are now working to explore, with the owners, how the long-term welfare of these animals will be met, as we make enquiries about the management and care of this reindeer herd.’
He added: ‘RSPCA Cymru supports the regulation of travelling animal shows, such as festive reindeer displays, which could offer much-needed protection to many animals across the country, and offer important assurances to the public about welfare standards.’
A Celtic Manor spokesman said: ‘The resort has always taken great care to meet the upkeep and welfare needs of these animals and we have worked closely with our accredited reindeer provider to establish a comfortable environment for the reindeer in our care.
‘Changes to the infrastructure of other parts of Christmas Kingdom have had an unforeseen impact on this year’s reindeer enclosure so, in consultation with Newport City Council, we have decided it is in the best interests of the reindeer to remove them entirely from the Christmas Kingdom and return them to their owner.’