A CAMPAIGN coordinator for PETA has called on bosses at Bents Garden Centre in Glazebury to keep live animals out of its holiday activities.

Kirsty Henderson sent a letter to the managing director of the store on Warrington Road this morning encouraging him to cancel plans to use live reindeer in scheduled Christmas-themed events.

In the letter, the PETA activist said: "Using live animals in these sorts of events sends a damaging message to young people that animals are little more than living props.

"There are many other ways that the people of Cheshire could celebrate the holidays that would be far more in keeping with the Christmas spirit than by treating scared animals like decorations."

But a spokesman for Bents said the team work 'very closely' with their breeders to ensure they are cared for at all times while at the centre.

The statement read: "Having heard from PETA today we would like to confirm that we take animal welfare and our duty of care extremely seriously.  

"We have been visited by reindeer at Christmas time for the past 5 years and work very closely with their breeders to ensure they are cared for at all times whilst at the Centre.  

"We have consulted and checked with the RSPCA who have confirmed that as long as all the animals' requirements are met they do not have an issue with the event.

"The reindeer are 6th generation British animals having been born and raised in the North East.  

"We work with a family business which has over 57 years of animal care, headed by a Government Registered Animal Trainer who started his career with Chester Zoo and has been a zoological adviser to a number of television companies.  

"During the summer the reindeer graze in their grass paddock and during winter they are stabled, and at all times are under the supervision of a registered vet.

"Whilst at Bents they are only onsite for a limited time during our Festive Family Fun Weekend, have regular breaks and are accompanied at all times by their handlers, within a controlled area.  

"If any animal were to show any sign of distress they would be immediately removed from the site, but this is something we have never experienced as the reindeer are accustomed to crowds, music and different environments. 

"They have human contact daily, throughout the year, at their sanctuary and Bents is just one of many stops on their Christmas journey, bringing smiles to the faces of the many children they meet.

"'Reindeer for Christmas' is a full member of ACTA (Animal Consultants and Trainers Association) which follows a strict Code of Conduct to ensure 'all members are pre-vetted, established, experienced and qualified professionals in their field'."