Shoppers slam Westfield for ‘miserable’ live reindeer in Christmas display – but others hit back and say kids love it
Some Christmas shoppers have criticized a suburban shopping center using live reindeer at a Christmas event, but locals have fought back.
Westfield Tuggerah, on the NSW central coast, brought in a few reindeer to add to the Christmas cheer during the week.
But the attempt to add a little “Whoa, whoa, whoa” was met with a resounding “No, no, no” from some radical vegans, who said it was “shameful” and “disgusting.”
Another claimed to be able to read the reindeer's mind and said, “Can't people see that these poor beauties are miserable?”
But angry locals fought back, with one saying: 'I love seeing the children's happy faces and I don't really see a problem.'
Some Christmas shoppers have criticized a suburban shopping center using live reindeer (pictured) at a Christmas event, but locals have fought back
An anonymous commenter said they “just felt sick” about using the live reindeer, but this sparked a strong comeback from a rival poster.
“No, it doesn't bother me at all,” they wrote. “I loved seeing the happiness on everyone's faces when they realized they were 'real' reindeer.”
The same commenter also said the animals were well cared for by their owners.
'I met the reindeer owners in Westfield a few weekends ago and was really impressed with their ease and way of interacting with these beautiful animals!' They wrote.
'It was very clear that they know their stuff as they were exceptionally caring and protective of their animals.'
This prompted the commenter to say, “It was a good discussion considering everyone's different points of view.
“I've decided I don't like it, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
Another poster agreed, asking: “Why do malls need his, using live animals is not cool,” followed by a sad emoji, while another said it was “gross.”
One commenter (pictured) said they “just felt sick” about the use of live reindeer during the event
The negative comments from some sparked a strong comeback from rival posters (pictured)
But there were more defenders of the use of reindeer than those who opposed their use. One of them wrote that the creatures worked “for two days and two hours.”
“My son got to pet the front,” they said, but added. 'I have to say that although the reindeer were very calm, I would have hated to see them get up, run or get grumpy.
“They're big boys.”
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Westfield Tuggerah and the NSW branch of the RSPCA for comment.
One commenter used a heartbreak emoji (pictured) to show his distress at the situation
There were comments (photo) both opposing and defending the use of live reindeer
Tuggerah Westfield (pictured) is located on the NSW Central Coast, 90km north of Sydney