25th July 2024

Back in March of this year we brought you the news that The Reindeer Lodge in Leeswood, Mold was applying for retrospective planning permission for the buildings it had constructed to house the herd of reindeer it uses for events. We asked you to submit objections to the council, and we are now delighted to bring you the news that planning permission has been refused!

Dozens of reindeer are held captive at The Reindeer Lodge. They are used as props to dress the Lodge’s Christmas attraction every year, and they are also rented out to festive displays and parades. The farm became the Reindeer Lodge when the owners moved in in 2018, and some structures were built to house the animals soon after - but they were erected without planning permission. It is this planning permission that has now been refused, which means that the business’s ability to exploit reindeer is now restricted.

What next? It remains to be seen what will happen next for this attraction, and more importantly, for the innocent lives it profits from. The council’s refusal for retrospective planning permission means that The Reindeer Lodge may soon be issued with an enforcement notice demanding they remove the shelters in question. It is possible that the decision may be eligible for an appeal. However, we would encourage the business owners to accept this decision and end their reindeer exhibition business, rehoming the reindeer currently in their care to suitable accredited sanctuaries where they will not be hired out to be used as props, or forced to endure demeaning displays.

A huge thanks to everyone that took part in this action to prevent the continuation of reindeer exploitation at this site. It is so important to stand against animals being used as attractions. Please continue to support this vital work.