Shoppers at a Newcastle shopping centre have raised serious concerns after two large reindeer were displayed in a small enclosed area as part of the centre’s festivities.
Visitors to Jesmond Central in west Newcastle said they were “heartbroken” by the condition of the animals, which were kept in a gated pen in a busy walkway on Wednesday.
Dozens of customers accused the centre of providing inadequate space and poor supervision.
One shopper described the enclosure as a six-metre-by-eight-metre fenced area with no food or water and only a patch of plastic grass.
“I had to pay an unfortunate visit to Jesmond shopping centre today and I was so heartbroken to see these poor reindeer in an 8×6 pen in the middle of the shopping centre,” she wrote online.
“No food, no water and no supervisor. They are literally being used as a photo prop so people can get photos with them in their f***ing Christmas outfits. Also these ‘Reindeer rules’ aren’t going to stop Methanie from trying to mount one and take it for a ride around Jesmond Central.”
A photo shared online showed one reindeer lying on the ground while the other looked over the short fence. Both animals were dressed in festive saddles and fur-lined muzzles with bells attached to their feet.
Jesmond Central had promoted the display on Monday, announcing the reindeer would appear in-store on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“If your kids have ever asked to meet a real-life reindeer, you don’t need to book flights to the North Pole,” the post read.
“Just pop in tomorrow, Santa’s gorgeous reindeer are visiting! Come and join us for this FREE event and take a photo with the reindeer crew!”
The reindeer were available for photos from 11am to 12.30pm and again from 3.30pm to 5pm. The shopping centre has also scheduled four additional sessions in December.
Following the event, dozens of commenters urged Jesmond Central to cancel the remaining appearances.
“How is this okay?” one person wrote.
Another said, “This is awful – I can’t believe you are all okay with keeping these animals inside!”
Another comment read, “Reindeer are wild animals, not Christmas props. Dragging them into a noisy, crowded shopping centre for photos is incredibly stressful and completely unnecessary.”
Others added, “Doesn’t look very cheerful to me,” and “Animal cruelty is not okay. It’s 2025. We know better, let’s do better!”
However, some visitors defended the display and said the reindeer appeared calm.
“I am super keen to see a real reindeer,” one person wrote.
Another commenter said, “I went down there yesterday. The two reindeer looked very relaxed and calm, they did not look scared or stressed in any way.
“The owner was right there with them, letting kids stand beside them for photos. They weren’t allowed to touch their antlers, feet or legs and also had to be very calm in the pen. It was a very special experience for my son.”
Images: Facebook
