Disease Fears Prompt Britain to Ban Rudolph
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has canceled his trip to Britain this Christmas because government officials fear that reindeer may spread the highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease that has plagued the nation.
Instead, Santa Claus will have to rely on horses and huskies to pull his sleigh. Top London department store Harrod’s will use a horse and carriage this year.
“Rudolph has to stay in Lapland. This is the first time in living memory Harrod’s has not used a reindeer,” a store spokesman said.
In the port of Southampton, Santa will be pulled by dogs.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.