RSPCA Wales has praised Flintshire County Council for putting animals first when it comes to Christmas events.

It comes as councillors voted to implement a ban which means that reindeers and donkeys will no longer be used at council organised events such as light switch-ons.

The RSPCA expressed concerns for the welfare of reindeers as depsite the thought of meeting a real-life reindeer being exciting; such events could cause them suffering.

Discussing the council's move to implement safer measures for animals, RSPCA senior scientific manager in wildlife Dr Ros Clubb said: “This is great news and we are delighted to hear that Flintshire County Council has taken this important step for animal welfare in their community.

“As Christmas approaches, we and other animal welfare charities are really concerned that reindeer used in festive events across the country could be suffering in silence.

"Reindeer are kept here in the UK year-round but we always see more calls about them in the build-up to Christmas, which is when they are taken out to be on display at festive events.

“We understand that it must seem magical for people to see a reindeer at Christmas, but the reality is reindeer are not easy to keep well and need specialised care - they get stressed very easily and are very susceptible to many health and welfare problems.

“In the wild, they are prey animals so they naturally hide their illnesses, and we are concerned many owners may not realise their reindeer, which are attending stressful, busy festive events, are poorly or may not be able to spot the problems until it is too late.”

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The decision was introduced at a full meeting of Flintshire Council by Buckley Bistre West Councillor Dan Rose and seconded by fellow ward member Councillor Carolyn Preece.

Councillor Rose said: “I’m very pleased to see the motion passed with support from across the political spectrum.

“We have long since moved on from cockfighting, bullrings and dancing bears in chains. But in our community today there are still animals suffering for entertainment - needlessly. 

“We can now put an end to that - and help keep Rudolf safe this Christmas.”