14 DAY TRIAL // Santa is sure having a tough time this winter. According to green group PETA, one of his reindeer has recently handed in his resignation and then ran away from the old man while the latter was busy entertaining folks in Dillon, Colorado.
On its website, PETA explains that, together with Santa, the reindeer was attending the city's annual lighting celebration.
All the commotion eventually got to the animal and, in an attempt to get some peace of mind, the reindeer simply turned his back on his employer and ran away.
The reindeer was caught after several hours, and returned to his owner.
PETA is now asking that Ronald J. Holland, i.e. Dillon's current mayor, agree to no longer use live animals in such celebrations and events.
“PETA has askes Dillon, Colorado, Mayor Ronald J. Holland to put any future plans to use live animals in city displays or events on the naughty list after a reindeer being used in the town’s annual lighting celebration panicked and took off,” the organization writes on its website.
“Santa belongs at the mall. Reindeer do not. Reindeer are not domesticated and easily become stressed when hauled around and put on public display and used for photo ops,” it adds.
PETA also urges that people who care about animals support its initiative and send a polite letter to Mayor Ronald J. Holland asking that he give the organization's request due consideration.