A Christmas attraction featuring live reindeer at a Newcastle shopping centre has been cancelled following significant community backlash and concerns about animal welfare.
Festive Display Sparks Controversy
The Reindeer Cheer experience appeared at Jesmond Central shopping mall in Newcastle on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, offering visitors the chance to meet Santa's real-life reindeer for free. The shopping centre had promoted the event as a magical Christmas experience where families could interact with the animals without travelling to the North Pole.
Social media photos showed the reindeer confined to an enclosure, wearing Christmas-style harnesses and fuzzy coverings over their noses. The display was scheduled to return for three days in December as part of the centre's festive programming.
Community Backlash and Welfare Concerns
While some visitors appreciated the opportunity to see real reindeer, many expressed outrage at what they described as cruel treatment of the animals. One concerned customer took to social media to voice their distress, writing: "I had to pay an unfortunate visit to Jesmond shopping centre today, and I was so heartbroken to see these poor reindeer in an 8x6 pen in the middle of the shopping centre".
The critic further noted the absence of food, water, and supervision for the animals, describing them as "being used as a photo prop" while dressed in Christmas outfits.
Other social media comments highlighted the inappropriate nature of keeping reindeer in an Australian summer environment, with one person questioning: "Isn't Santa from the North Pole & not an Australian summer? Shame on centre management for not logical thinking".
A third commenter simply stated: "This is cruel! They do not deserve to be in a shopping centre and have people constantly in their face! Poor things".
Shopping Centre Response and Cancellation
In response to the growing criticism, Jesmond Central shopping centre confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that the reindeer display will not return in December as originally planned.
The centre explained that the reindeer had been provided by a family-run business that was fully licensed and accredited, with proper protocols covering feeding, housing, veterinary care, inspections and overall welfare.
A spokesperson stated: "We understand some people may feel differently even when activities meet legal and welfare standards, and we respect those views".
Despite confirming that the display complied with all required checks and welfare standards, the shopping centre acknowledged community feedback in their decision to cancel the remaining scheduled appearances.
"While the display complied with all required checks and welfare standards, after hearing the feedback from our community, the reindeer will not be returning", the spokesperson confirmed.
The centre emphasized their commitment to creating experiences that everyone can feel good about while maintaining high standards, indicating they would take appropriate action in collaboration with relevant authorities if needed following their review of concerns.
