ANIMAL rights campaigners who have condemned Blackpool Zoo for reopening during the foot-and-mouth crisis were this week accused of a "disgraceful" bid to breach safety protocol.

The Captive Animals' Protection Society told The Citizen: "We believe that the council should put the animals first and close the zoo."

Its executive director, Diane Westwood, said a supporter had visited the zoo in East Park Drive last weekend (March 31 )and was allowed to take in food -- biscuits and crisps -- which was not checked.

But zoo spokesman Tony Williams replied: "The food safety measures we have in place apply to 'open' food -- sandwiches and cooked meat -- and not sealed, pre-packed snacks such as crisps or biscuits."

The zoo had just opened its doors to visitors after voluntarily closing for more than three weeks because of the foot-and-mouth scourge.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said the zoo was currently outside any infected area and was only subject to control measures that applied to the whole country.

To conform with these, disinfectant mats and ramps were put in place at the car park and main entrance and visitors were handed safety leaflets. These described a "no brought-in food" policy and an animal feeding and contact ban.

Anyone who had recently been in contact with farm animals was asked to contact staff before entering.

But Ms Westwood alleged: "At the gate, our supporter was handed information and was asked questions. To the question, 'Have you been within 10km of an infected area?' the answer was given, 'Not that I know of, but I don't know where the infected areas are.'

"To the question, 'Have you any food with you?', the reply was, 'Yes, biscuits and crisps.'

"The zoo staff member said that as long as it was sealed it was OK. The main concern was sandwiches and dairy products. But the food was not checked." Zoo spokesman Mr Williams said: "The CAPS visitor on Saturday was recognised by staff and observed during their visit." They had intentionally tried to breach safety protocol.

"CAPS were intent on acting irresponsibly, which is absolutely disgraceful."

He added that the decision to ask people not to take in food was an additional voluntary move by the zoo. "We are just asking our visitors to be sensible." And anyone who had been inside an infected area would know because of the notices on display.

Minister for Tourism Janet Anderson had visited East Park Drive and declared herself perfectly satisfied with the reopening and measures being taken.

Zoo manager Iain Valentine said: "We have had to instigate lengthy risk assessments and taken expert advice before deciding to open.

"Most of the animals in the zoo are not in the susceptible category. We can protect those that are at some remote risk by placing them in quarantine or isolated conditions."

CAPS campaign director Pat Simpson, who lives in Cherry Tree Road, Blackpool, said: "We can only draw one conclusion from the zoo's actions -- that money is more important to them than the lives of the animals that they purport to care for.

"Since the UK is virtually under siege from the foot-and-mouth outbreak it is highly irresponsible of the zoo community to fuel the problem."

Mr Williams added: "Naturally we will be still observing the national situation on a day-to-day basis and we will take necessary action should the situation change."

Some UK zoos have remained open throughout the crisis, including London and South Lakes, and many more have reopened nationwide.