BLACKPOOL Zoo has defended the use of electric prods on elephants by its staff following fierce criticism from animal rights groups.

The zoo has six Asian elephants with two arriving just two weeks ago from Germany after the closure of a circus there.

But controversy broke out this week after the Captive Animals' Protection Society revealed staff at the zoo used electric prods to control the elephants.

This led to calls from leader of the council's Conservative group, Councillor Peter Callow, for the zoo to be banned from using the appliances which he called "barbaric".

He said: "The council should give an assurance that electrical prods will be banned from Blackpool Zoo.

"These incidents have undoubtedly tarnished our zoo's reputation and they should be consigned to history where they belong."

But Blackpool Zoo manager Iain Valentine defended the use of the prods describing them as a necessary safety procedure.

He said: "The prods are used for emergencies only and they form just part of our overall health and safety procedures.

"All our staff love and care for their animals and would never mistreat any of them."

The zoo was backed by Blackpool Council leader Ivan Taylor who said: "The zoo has a very modern approach to looking after elephants and the keepers spend a lot of time with them.

"Looking after elephants requires a combination of freedom and control.

"The electric shock method is used very infrequently by staff and only for safety reasons to protect themselves from injury.

"The council is very happy with operation of the zoo and its reputation for caring for animals."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.