SOMETHING VAGUELY TOPICAL

A couple of reindeer which went for a wander after slipping out of their pen have been safely rounded up - with a little help from nursery centre staff, the police and the RSPCA.
Male reindeer Basil and his female friend Parsley made a bid for freedom at about 10am from Woodcote Green Nurseries, Wallington, Surrey - where they are being displayed with two others as a seasonal attraction.
By midday Basil had been re-captured by nursery staff but, evading them, Parsley had headed further afield - crossing traffic and causing concerns for both her own and public safety.
RSPCA animal collection officer Monica Faloona and inspector Phil Norman were called to assist nursery staff in her recapture, while Sutton Police dealt with the traffic hazard.
"Parsley had headed off to fields half a mile away, and despite our best efforts we were initially unable to confine her," said RSPCA inspector Phil Norman.
"Finally, after two hours of trying to catch her, she decided to head back towards her fellow reindeer on land belonging to the nursery. There we were able to lead one of the other reindeer in to a temporary pen and waited for 15 minutes while Parsley edged her way in to join her friend."
The exhausted reindeer was left to calm down in the pen before being led to her own enclosure.
"She was very distressed, tired and slightly lame on one of her hind legs, so we advised nursery staff to get veterinary advice," said inspector Norman.
RSPCA officers also advised grateful staff on improvements that should be made to the enclosure - and to reconsider whether it is appropriate to keep reindeer as an exhibit in this way.
"Given their association with pulling Santa Claus' sleigh, reindeer are increasingly seen in Christmas exhibits," said inspector Norman.
"However, like all animals, they are likely to be highly stressed when confronted by crowds of people, unfamiliar noise and lights. The RSPCA believes that animals should not be used for entertainment when this is likely to cause distress or suffering."