WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) — The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection service granted a special permit to allow Santa Claus to complete his gift deliveries on Christmas Eve.
The permit, outlined in a press release, allows Mr. Claus to enter the United States between 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and 6 a.m. Dec. 25 while bypassing application fees and disease testing for his reindeer.
“During this season of giving, we agreed to waive the normal application fees and entry inspection/overtime costs.” Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. John Clifford said. “USDA wants to do everything in its power to help Santa.”
This early entry is not without some regulation however, as Santa was required to identify his reindeer with eartags or microchips and certify that they were fed a strict diet of hay, sugar plums, and gingerbread.
The release also states that Santa’s sleigh and reindeer will be subject to inspection.
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