THE Captive Animals' Protection Society proved beyond doubt that Blackpool Zoo is putting the lives of animals at risk, and yet we are accused of being irresponsible! (Citizen, April 5)

Our supporter, who has never been to the zoo before and is unknown to the staff, answered the questions vaguely so as to see the reaction of the staff. It was the staff who breached safety protocol by letting the woman in, even though she told them that she had crisps and biscuits in her bag.

Tony Williams says the food safety measures only cover "open" food, yet the information sheet given out by the zoo staff says in black and white "No food whatsoever may be brought into the zoo."

At no time were the animals at risk because the supporter actually wasn't carrying food at all, which the staff would have discovered had they done their job.

The article ignored many important points. The children's farm was closed and yet vehicles and staff were walking from the main areas straight into the farm without disinfecting vehicles and shoes.

The lemur walkway was open where people were able to get close to the lemurs and visitors were able to walk through enclosures such as the aviary despite MAFF recommendations.

Blackpool Zoo is trying to pass the buck but it is quite obvious that this "sting" has been of great embarrassment. The zoo management must think readers of The Citizen are stupid. The zoo and Blackpool Council have put the animals at risk and, now that their poor foot and mouth precautions have been exposed, they are trying to lay the blame elsewhere.

Diane Westwood,

Captive Animals' Protection Society, PO Box 43, Dudley, West Midlands.

Tony Williams, of Blackpool Zoo, replies: " BLackpool Zoo is following all foot and mouth safety measures outlined by our federation and Maff. We are also fully in line with other regional zoos which have also recently re-opened.

"National and local press have recently exposed directors of CAPS as being blatant hypocrites in their views regarding elephant welfare and zoo staff maintain that CAPS n o longer possess the credibility to offer any valid criticism of Blackpool Zoo."