A festive event at a busy Newcastle shopping centre has sparked outrage and accusations of animal cruelty after visitors discovered two reindeer confined to a small pen.
Shoppers Express Heartbreak and Anger
Christmas festivities at Jesmond Central in west Newcastle were thrown into controversy on Wednesday after dozens of customers reported being appalled by the treatment of two reindeer. The animals were kept in a six-metre-by-eight-metre fenced area located directly in the shopping centre's main walkway.
One distressed shopper detailed the scene online, noting the enclosure contained no visible food or water, only a patch of artificial grass. "I had to pay an unfortunate visit to Jesmond shopping centre today and I was so heartbroken to see these poor reindeer," she wrote. She described the reindeer as being used essentially as "photo props" for visitors in Christmas outfits.
The Centre's Festive Promotion and Public Backlash
Jesmond Central had actively promoted the event, announcing on Monday that Santa's reindeer would be visiting. "If your kids have ever asked to meet a real-life reindeer, you don't need to book flights to the North Pole," the advertisement stated, encouraging families to attend the free photo sessions.
The reindeer were present for public viewing and photos during two sessions: from 11am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 5pm. The centre plans to host the animals for another four sessions throughout December.
However, the promotion was met with a wave of criticism on social media. Dozens of commenters demanded the event be cancelled. "Animal cruelty is not okay. It's 2025. We know better, let's do better!" one person wrote. Another stated, "Reindeer are wild animals, not Christmas props. Dragging them into a noisy, crowded shopping centre for photos is incredibly stressful."
A Divided Response and Official Silence
Despite the overwhelming criticism, some visitors defended the experience. One commenter who attended said the reindeer "looked very relaxed and calm" and that the owner was present, enforcing rules against touching the animals' antlers and legs. They described it as a "very special experience" for their child.
Photographs from the scene showed one reindeer lying on the ground while another stood peering over the short fence. Both animals were outfitted with festive saddles and muzzles with bells.
The Daily Mail has contacted Haben, the owner of Jesmond Central, for a statement regarding the growing controversy over the reindeer welfare concerns.
