SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : Reindeer Owners Charged With Cruelty to Animals
The operators of a San Fernando Valley-based Christmas tree company were charged with cruelty to animals Wednesday for allegedly keeping a herd of reindeer in a debris-littered lot without food, water or adequate shelter.
City animal control officers found the eight reindeer at a lot in the 12000 block of Jolette Avenue in Granada Hills.
The officers reported that one animal died shortly after their arrival. The reindeer, also known as fallow deer, died from injuries it suffered after it was entangled in wire fencing and cast-off coat hangers that were in the lot, said Deputy City Atty. Norman Wegener.
Malibu residents Stuart T. Miller, 52, and his son, William T. Miller, 31, were charged with one count each of animal cruelty and possessing a wild animal without a city permit.
The surviving deer have been removed from the lot by the owners and taken to a company location in Acton, the prosecutor said.
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