Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin has granted a special 24-hour permit waiving the routine identification and other health requirements for nine flying reindeer slated to visit Georgia on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25. The North Pole Veterinarians this week filed a permit application for the reindeer to travel into and through Georgia on behalf of the owner, a local toymaker who signed the paperwork “Kris Kringle.” Identification, laboratory testing, purpose of the permit, and certificates of veterinary inspection are part of Georgia’s health requirements which assist officials in protecting animal health. The reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph.
“After consulting with our outgoing state veterinarian, Dr. Lee Myers, and our incoming veterinarian, Dr. Carter Black, I concluded these reindeer did not pose any threat to Georgia agriculture or violate any of our biosecurity measures to keep out animal diseases,” said Commissioner Irvin. “As it was explained to me, these reindeer will be moving quickly, will only prance and paw on rooftops and will not be intermingling with any livestock in Georgia.” “Usually, few creatures are stirring that night,” added Dr. Myers. “Not even a mouse.” “The elfin veterinarians have assured us that the little old driver goes straight to his work at every stop. He also knows about the hay and water shortages caused by the drought and has made preparations to install a special compartment in the sleigh for feed and water, in case the stops take longer than planned,” Dr. Black said. “We are pleased to grant the temporary waiver to Mr. Kringle,” said Commissioner Irvin. “I and the employees of the Georgia Department of Agriculture wish him safe travels as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of Georgia.”