By: California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
SACRAMENTO, December, 23, 2008– California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer has granted a 24-hour permit waiving 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 by a rotund, jolly man with a red face and a white beard. He signed the paperwork, "K. Kringle."
Brand inspection and health requirements - which help veterinarians prevent the spread of animal disease - mandate 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.
"We are pleased and honored to issue the permit to Mr. Kringle," said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. "As always, we wish him safe travels as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of California."
The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California's $36.6 billion agricultural industry. California's farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.
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