Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin has granted a special 24-hour permit, waiving routine identification and other health requirements for nine flying reindeer, slated to visit the state on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, and during the early morning hours of Thursday, December 25.

A permit application to travel into and through Georgia was filed last week by veterinarians at the North Pole on behalf of the owner of the reindeers, a local toy maker, who signed the paperwork "Kris Kringle."

Identification, laboratory testing, and certificates of veterinary inspection are required by the state to assist officials in protecting animal health by preventing the introduction of exotic diseases.

The reindeer named on the per- mit are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

"After consulting with Dr. Carter Black, our state veterinarian, I concluded these reindeer do not pose any threat to Georgia agriculture or violate any of the bio-security measures designed to prevent animal diseases from coming into the state," 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 Georgia livestock."

"Usually, not a creature is stirring that night - not even a mouse," noted Dr. Black.

In conclusion, Commissioner Irvin said, "We are pleased to grant the temporary waiver to Mr. Kringle. I, along with the employees of the department of agriculture, wish him safe travels as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of Georgia."