Natural History Wanderings

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

SACRAMENTO, December 22, 2011 — California State Veterinarian Dr.

Annette Whiteford 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 under 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.”