A reindeer farm in rural Britain says it is being pushed to the brink of closure after its local Lib Dem-led council reclassified its animals as “dangerous,” forcing the business to obtain a costly zoo licence.
Sarah Sutton, who has run the family operation in Somerset for 14 years, told GB News the move is “completely unnecessary” and threatens the future of her herd.
She explained: “We can’t even break even if it wasn’t for my helicopter-flying husband who works for the air ambulance, this farm wouldn’t be able to manage as it is.
“Now we may be forced into a situation where we may actually have to close because we just simply can’t afford to support these animals. If the council don’t let us have the adoring public in to meet them.”
She added: “The Government recently decided to tighten up their legislation and class them as dangerous wild animals, just in the same manner as they class lions and hippos.
“So we’re going to be expected to have a zoo licence to carry on trading, which is extortionate, expensive and completely unnecessary.”
Pointing out the tame nature of the animals, the Reindeer farmer explained: “We have lots and lots of adults with learning disabilities coming to visit us.
“We have children that come in from hospitals, and we also have service members that come here to let their families have a lovely, relaxed environment where they’re speaking to other service people and they know that they’re in a safe environment to spend time with these animals.
The reindeer farmer has said her herd may need to be put down
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GB NEWS
“These animals are not dangerous. They’re not aggressive at all.
“They are more like ponies and dogs than anything else in the animal kingdom.”
Sarah warned that if Somerset Council refuses to reverse its decision, she may be left with no choice but to put down her entire herd lovingly named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Harry, Camilla, Aurora, Blitzen, Arthur, Snowflake and Comet.
Reindeers were classified as dangerous
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PAUnder the new rules, reindeer are now treated as “dangerous wild animals,” meaning the farm must obtain a full zoo licence the kind normally required for lions or other predators.
Such licences demand extreme safety measures, including access to firearms in case of an escape.
In Somerset, the licence alone costs £2,747 to apply for and a further £2,697 to renew every four years figures the expert says would financially cripple the farm.
The council said it had carried out a “review of the law and guidance”, and that reindeer were classed as “wild animals” under the Zoo Licensing Act.
The firm has been allowed to continue as normal over the festive period, however, their future in 2026 remains uncertain.
Somerset Council said: “We understand that obtaining a zoo licence is a lengthy process, and we have been mindful of the practicalities involved both leading up to and throughout the application.
“We will continue to provide advice and support, and assist in any way we can.”