HELSINKI, September 30 (RIA Novosti) - The Danish Air Force has paid 30,000 krones (about $4,800) in damages to a local Santa Claus after its fighters scared his only reindeer to death, Danish television reported Friday.
The incident occurred in February at the farm of Olavi Niikanoff, who fulfils traditional Christmas time work as a local Santa Claus. Niikanoff said his reindeer, Rudolph, was quietly grazing when two F-16s appeared out of nowhere and roared over the terrified animal.
The reindeer died on the spot from a heart attack, a veterinarian said.
The farmer demanded compensation from the Air Force. After checking the timetable of the flights and studying the veterinarian's conclusions, the military acknowledged they were to blame for the animal's untimely demise and agreed.
"We will be glad to pay the damages to make sure that children get Christmas presents this year," the Danish Air Force press service was quoted as saying.
