Reindeer ‘working up to 16 hours a day’ at Celtic Manor Resort removed after welfare concern

A group of reindeer have been removed from the Celtic Manor Resort after concerns from animal rights campaigners the animals were being overworked.

The reindeer were on show for up to 16 hours a day at the five-star resort in Newport as part of a Christmas Kingdom show.

An anonymous worker had contacted the RSPCA reporting reindeer were in "high stress" and in a "bad emotional and mental state".

Other attractions include a Santa’s grotto and ice skating.

But RSPCA officers told the resort, which has hosted major events such as the Ryder Cup and NATO Summit, that the reindeers should be removed due to their enclosure not being suitable.

The hotel is known for hosting major events including the NATO summit in 2014 Credit: PA Images

A spokesperson for the Celtic Manor Resort said changes have since been made to the event

The resort has previously been involved in another festive row - after it was revealedFather Christmas was getting double the pay of Mrs Christmas in 2015.