The Live Animal Crib, which includes sheep, a goat and a donkey returned to Dublin Mansion House this morning.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Donna Cooney was joined by the Lucan Gospel Choir and children from St. Joseph's Nursery in Dublin 8 for the official launch of the crib.

The nativity scene is a joint initiative of Dublin City Council and the Irish Farmers Association.

At the launch, Ms Cooney said the crib is an opportunity for the people of Dublin to "share some festive joy".

Choirs at the launch of the Mansion House's Live Animal Crib, Alamy

"The Mansion House should always be welcoming to the people of Dublin and we want to make sure that’s especially so at Christmas," she said.

IFA President Francie Gorman said he was "delighted" to attend the launch.

"It’s a special occasion to mark what is an enduring partnership between the Lord Mayor’s office, Dublin City Council and the IFA," he said.

Photo by Emma Tyrell

"It’s a reminder of the work that farm families carry out every day of the year and I hope visitors to Dublin city centre take the time to drop in between now and Christmas Eve”.

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."

Defending the practice, IFA President Francie Gorman said the animals are always well-treated and if there is an issue, a vet is called.

Feature image by Emma Tyrell.