Council killjoys scrap children's snail race after animal rights activists claim it's cruel

Nottingham City Council has scrapped a children's snail racing event after complaints from animal rights campaigners who argued the activity was "cruel".

The event, touted as "The Slowest Show on Earth", had been scheduled to take place at the city's Central Library.

It was intended to form part of a "green week" programme celebrating efforts to tackle climate change.

Organisers had developed what they described as the "world's first electronic snail racing board" to engage young participants.

But Alex Patterson of the Nottingham Animal Coalition moaned at how the race failed to account for the welfare of the creatures - and it was subsequently shuttered.

"It ultimately treats them as objects for human fascination and entertainment and not as what they are, which is individuals with their own wants and interests," he said.

"If you pick them up, at best you're stressing them out, at worst you're causing them physical injury."

Another group member, Kerry Kane, declared there was no "human need to race a snail".

She told the BBC: “It was really irresponsible because of the potential injury you could cause to a snail by picking it up wrong.

“There was no information explaining how to do it properly.

“You have to gently tap or stroke the shell, so the snail’s foot retracts, and then it’s safe to remove them and then place them in the direction they were going in.

“There’s no need to pick a snail up by its shell, because pulling at it from its shell can cause damage and injury.”

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The decision sparked fury among locals, who voiced their displeasure on social media platforms.

One person declared online that the "world's gone mad".

Another commented: "Getting children to engage with nature is a positive."

A third user fumed: "Probably the most harmless activity a council has ever devised. Cancelled."

They continued: "The council didn't push back. Didn't explain the safeguards. Didn't suggest the complaining party go and browse a book instead. Just apologised and scrapped it."

Nottingham City Council issued an apology to those "disappointed" by its decision and "equally anyone who found the proposed activity upsetting".

The authority stated: "While the demonstrations were intended as a light-hearted and educational activity, we recognise some members of the community have expressed genuine concerns about the snails involved."

Officials said they were committed to providing welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable family-friendly programming at the library.

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