California's official State Veterinarian, Dr. Annette Whiteford, announced today that Santa's reindeer have been officially cleared to enter the state on Saturday December 24, 2011. The permit was issued through the state's Department of Food and Agriculture to a K. Kringle, says a spokesperson with the agency.
Permits of this kind are necessary, say animal experts, to prevent illnesses. Fortunately, all 9 of Santa's reindeers got clean bills of health and will be allowed to pull the sleigh during the Christmas holiday ride.
Specifically named in the permit are:
- Dasher
- Dancer
- Prancer
- Vixen
- Comet
- Cupid
- Donder
- Blitzen
- Rudolph
The only condition placed on the reindeer, say officials, is that they must not hang around with other reindeer before or after their deliveries are finished. Santa's deer, says the state's official vet, must make their deliveries and then go back home.
