Reindeer Cleared for Take Off in California

By Toni McAllister

Who says there's no Christmas spirit in Sacramento? 

At first glance, the following news release may seem like a hoax. Actually, it was sent from the public affairs office of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. 

Merry Christmas!

STATE VETERINARIAN CLEARS SANTA’S REINDEER TO ENTER CALIFORNIA

Release #13-041 

24-hour permit granted to Kris Kringle for his team of nine reindeer

SACRAMENTO, December 23, 2013 — California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has granted a 24-hour permit clearing all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer slated to visit California on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25.

The permit application was filed in person by a rotund, jolly man with a red suit and a white beard. The signature on the paperwork reads “K. Kringle.”

Brand inspections and health requirements help veterinarians prevent the spread of animal disease. The law also mandates that all animals entering California be individually identified. The nine reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph.

The permit was granted with two conditions: the nine reindeer may not co-mingle with other reindeer in the state of California, and the visiting reindeer may not be used for breeding purposes while in the state.

“It is our pleasure to issue the permit to Mr. Kringle and do our part to ensure another successful trip,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We wish him safe travels, clear skies and plenty of milk and cookies as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of California.”