ANIMAL rights activists have urged Blackpool council to scrap the resort's landau and donkey rides amid claims that they are animal welfare and public safety hazards.

Members of the Preston-based Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) claim the familiar horse-drawn carriages and beach donkeys pose a "serious welfare risk" to animals and well as an "unacceptable safety risk to the public".

But the council - who are currently organising the annual landau and donkey "MoT" licence renewal on May 7 and 9 - have no plans to abandon the traditional seaside favourite.

A council spokesman said: "During the license renewal process the animals are thoroughly inspected by approved vets and the RSPCA to ensure they are in full health.

"Many of the donkey and landau operators have run family businesses for generations. The animals are their livelihood and they fully understand therefore the importance of keeping them in good health and ensuring their safety on the road, in accordance with the Road Traffic Act."

As part of the licence renewal process around 200 donkeys and 40 horses animal will be checked over by an RSPCA-accredited vet and micro-chipped for identification.

Landau operators must also have their vehicles checked over by a council-approved inspector to ensure they are roadworthy and safe for public use.

Council licensing officials are then required to conduct various 'spot checks' throughout the year to ensure each animal works a fair daily shift, is given regular days off and fed, watered and housed to a high standard.

But concerns increased after the recent death of a landau horse in an accident.

A CAPS spokesman said: "We're very concerned about the use of animals in all forms of entertainment, including laundaus and donkey rides in Blackpool.

"Landau horses are at risk from serious injury as they are easily spooked by the noisy traffic. There have been several cases of this in Blackpool over the last two years.

"Not only is this kind of incident a serious welfare risk to animals but it also poses an unacceptable safety risk to the public.

"Donkeys are also at risk of being worked for long hours in hot conditions, often transporting people who are far too heavy for a donkey to safely carry.

"Where animals are used in this way there is always the risk of welfare problems and, in an age where the public has a more enlightened attitude towards animal welfare, the use of animals for entertainment is seen by many to be no longer acceptable.

"We would encourage them to refuse licences for the laundaus and donkey rides."