Christmas fair organisers have defended themselves after coming under fire when an emaciated reindeer was spotted at the event.

The animal, which came from The Reindeer Centre at Capralama Farm in Bethersden, near Ashford, had been pictured with its ribs showing.

It was at The Swallows leisure centre in Sittingbourne on Sunday.

Photos of the creature were widely shared and criticised on social media.

The Swallows, which attracted around 1,500 people, had three reindeer on show in a pen which visitors were able to pet and feed.

Lorraine March, founder of Kent Wildlife Rescue Service, criticised organisers, saying: “Someone very concerned sent me the photo in the evening after the event.

“I have contacted an inspector at the RSPCA and the leisure centre to find out who they hired.”

Ms March, who runs the organisation from her home in Sheerness, said she already has an offer from a vegan-run centre in High Halden called The Retreat Animal Sanctuary to take in the animal.

She added: “It was also mentioned that parents all around were whispering about it, and another reindeer kept falling over.”

Sheppey RSPCA’s Angela Walder said: “If it was puppies and kittens in that environment, people would be up in arms.

“These ‘farmed’ animals don’t get the same level of concern but they do have the same amount of suffering.”

“If it was puppies and kittens in that environment, people would be up in arms" - Angela Walder

However, Dave Harcourt, of organisers Swale Community Leisure, said: “The care of the animals were paramount in our consideration for including them within our festive event.

“And as a result we requested appropriate copies of their certificate of registration for performing animals, insurance and a full animal welfare statement prior to the booking being made.

“We have contacted The Reindeer Centre to voice the concerns that some customers had regarding the weight of one of the animals.

“They have stated ‘The reindeer that came were a 10-year-old male and two six-month-olds.

“We have a number of reindeer aged between 10 and 15 and they are of a similar build and body shape to the one that attended yesterday and are in very good health.

“‘Yesterday (Sunday) they had fresh straw and water and the 10-year-old was eating carrots from members of the public, with our supervision, that would indicate that the reindeer is in good condition’.”

The Reindeer Centre has been approached for comment.