Lib Dems table “Santa Clause” amendment to protect reindeer in Animal Welfare Bill

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a “Santa Clause” amendment to protect reindeer in the upcoming Animal Welfare Bill.

The amendment, tabled by Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, seeks to ensure that live reindeer cannot be taken out of Britain for slaughter elsewhere. 

It comes after it emerged that a British company is advertising reindeer shooting holidays this Christmas.

The Bill is set to be debated in Parliament for remaining stages on 15th January 2024.

Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron said:

“Families this Christmas would be appalled to learn that reindeer don’t have the protections they need under UK law.

“From British companies advertising reindeer shooting holidays to these animals facing being exported for slaughter, tragically too many reindeer are at risk of cruel treatment.

“This Christmas, I can’t think of a better present than MPs backing our ‘Santa Clause’ amendment, to ensure reindeer get the protections they deserve.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

First reported by the Mirror here.

The Liberal Democrat amendment (the ‘Santa Clause’) to the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is as follows:

Clause 1, subsection (4), page 1, line 17, at end insert—

"(f) reindeer."

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment adds reindeer to the definition of "Relevant livestock".