Reindeer should not be used at Santa’s grottos because they get too stressed, the RSPCA has warned.
The animal charity says rearing them in this country is bad for their health.
And it said transporting them around taking them to Christmas events and then keeping them in small pens makes them anxious.
The RSPCA says there are about 1,500 reindeer used in festive attractions in the UK.
It said many of them can suffer from weight gain or loss, malformed antlers, low fertility and high calf mortality as a result.
Dr Ros Clubb, senior scientific manager in wildlife said: “As Christmas approaches, we and other animal welfare charities are really concerned that reindeer used in festive events across the country could be suffering in silence.
“Reindeer are kept here in the UK year-round but we always see more calls about them in the build up to Christmas, which is when they’re taken out to be on displays at festive events.
“We understand that it must seem magical for people to see a reindeer at Christmas, but the reality is reindeer are not easy to keep well and need specialised care - they get stressed very easily and are very susceptible to many health and welfare problems.
“In the wild they are prey animals so they naturally hide their illnesses, and we’re concerned many owners may not realise their reindeer, which are attending stressful, busy festive events, are poorly or may not be able to spot the problems until it is too late.”
Dr Clubb added: “Those that aren’t bred here are imported from Scandinavia, but even just being shipped over to the UK is likely to be stressful for these animals.
“And that stress then leaves them vulnerable to disease and a whole host of other welfare issues.
“We love Christmas and we understand why families may think that paying to visit an attraction with live reindeer would be a magical, festive thing to do.
“But we want this to be a happy and healthy time for humans and animals alike. We ask that people consider the welfare implications of the animals involved, and perhaps look for events which do not include live animals.”
