Santa’s Reindeer have been cleared to enter California.
The signature on the paperwork reads “K. Kringle.”
The permit application was filed in person by a rotund, jolly man with a red suit, a white beard, and a pocketful of candy canes.
State veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones granted a 24-hour permit clearing all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer scheduled to visit California on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25.
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 with 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.
They are, however, invited to partake of the Golden State’s famous and varied agricultural bounty if they need to refuel.
