Dublin’s live animal crib has been criticised as “inappropriate in this day and age”. 

From tomorrow at 11am, there will be a life sized stable outside Dublin’s Mansion House containing a sheep, donkey and goat. 

Usually, it also features a painting of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in a manager. 

Advocates of the live crib believe it helps educate children about the story of Christmas but Laura Broxon, from the National Animal Rights Association, feels it sends out the wrong message. 

“I think it’s inappropriate in this day and age to be having live animals in Dublin city centre,” she said. 

“The noise, the lights, the amount of people - it wouldn’t be something that they’d be naturally used to. 

“I’ve read that they’re transported back and forth every day to Wicklow, which is a long journey as well - totally inappropriate. 

“There’s another crib off Parnell Square; it’s puppets, it’s been there 68-years - why not do that instead?” 

? We are open! The @IFAmedia Live Animal Crib @MansionHouseDub is now open from 11am-5pm daily until Christmas Eve (closes at 1pm). Drop by for a visit & say hello to our much loved farm animals. ? ? Thank You to all involved in making it happen #FeelTheMagic #WinterInDublin pic.twitter.com/vQ0hvUH83F

— Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) December 13, 2021

The live crib is a joint venture between Dublin City Council and the Irish Farmers Association and made its debut in 1995. 

Defending the practice, IFA President Francie Gorman said the animals are always well-treated. 

“The idea originally was that farmers would be able to give something back to the people of Dublin at Christmas time,” he said. 

“It’s hugely popular; everyday, they’re fed, they’re watered, they’re taken home. 

“If there’s an issue with the animals, the vet’s called. 

“You can walk in there yourself and see how happy and comfortable they are lying down there.”

A toddler at the live crib. Photograph: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Mr Gorman added that for many Dubliners, the crib is a rare opportunity to learn more about Irish farming. 

“There’s a lot of people in Dublin who never get to see an animal and they can walk into Dawson Street, go over to the Mansion House, have a look at the donkey, the sheep, the goat,” he said. 

“It help keeps the connection between rural Ireland and urban Ireland.”

A goat in the live crib. 09/12/2022 Photograph: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Ms Broxon countered that the crib is not a realistic portrayal of anything and that a Christmas fair ground would be “much more popular”. 

“I don’t think it’s necessary to celebrate Christmas by using animals as entertainment,” she said. 

“I am a bit confused by understanding what this live crib is; if it’s a live crib and it’s supposed to replicate the nativity, where are the human actors? 

“If it’s showcasing Irish farming, it’s not an accurate portrayal of Irish farming either.” 

The live crib closes at 1pm on Christmas Eve. 

Main image shows the Live Animal Crib. Picture by: Sam Boal/ RollingNews.ie