A Welsh-based retailer of home furnishings, home improvement goods, and related items has come under scrutiny by animal charity, Animal Protection Services. During the weekend of 27th November and 28th November 2021, Leekes hosted Christmas events featuring live reindeer from Woodland Walk Garden Centre.
Visitors with their children approached the reindeer without any knowledge of these sensitive prey animals. Live reindeer events such as the ones hosted by Leekes are unnecessary and present a risk to animal welfare.
Over 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for Leekes to commit to ending their yearly Christmas events which use live animals.
A spokesperson on behalf of Animal Protection Services said: “Reindeer are semi-wild animals who are forced to endure hours of loud noises without any opportunity to escape.”
“They are treated as mere props for just minutes of entertainment and amusement, while reindeer suffer a lifetime of confinement and exploitation. During these cruel and unnecessary events, sensitive reindeer will experience high levels of stress and anxiety.”
“We would like to thank everyone who has signed our petition so far. We call on Leekes to commit to ending their yearly Christmas events which use live animals”, added the spokesperson.