Air Force scares Santa's reindeer to death. 01/10/2005. ABC News Online

Air Force scares Santa's reindeer to death. 01/10/2005. ABC News Online: "Air Force scares Santa's reindeer to death

Santa Claus will receive $A6,571 in compensation from the Danish Air Force after an F-16 fighter jet frightened one of his reindeers to death.

Professional Danish Santa Olavi Niikanoff complained to the Air Force after a reindeer died of fright when a jet roared over the field where his animals were grazing.

Air Force spokesman Captain Morten Jensen says the Defence Force accepts responsibility.

'We acknowledge it was our fault and we have to pay compensation,' he said.

Capt Jensen says the Air Force regularly pays out sums of money to compensate for animals that die of fright when planes boom overhead.

- Reuters"