Flap over duck production averted

Peta pointed out the dangers with using ducks on stage.

A West End show featuring 46 ducks on stage has smoothed over a possible row with animal rights campaigners.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) contacted the show - Ducktastic - with concerns over the use of the Indian runner ducks.

The show, directed by Kenneth Branagh, said it had taken safeguards for the ducks' treatment in the current show.

But its producer said he would think twice about using live animals again.

Ducks don't belong on stage any more than Mr Branagh and his cast belong in a pond Sean Gifford, Peta director of European campaigns

Producer David Pugh told the BBC News website he would not use live animals again "unless approved by the RSPCA and after agreement with Peta".

He said he had personally met with Peta representatives to discuss the use of the ducks, prior to the show's West End transfer from Newcastle.

"It started when Peta sent us a very sensible letter pointing out things that I had naively not been aware of.

"They were not in any way threatening," he said.

And he pointed out that the ducks were a "pivotal" part of the show, which is currently running at the Albery Theatre in London.

'Co-operation'

Peta said it was "putting away its protest signs and sending accolades" instead to the show's producers.

The charity pointed out that hot spotlights, long rehearsals, noise from pyrotechnics and applause can be very frightening to baby birds.

"We're delighted with Mr Pugh's response to our concerns about the ducks' welfare and his ongoing spirit of cooperation", says Sean Gifford, Peta's director of European campaigns.

"Ducks don't belong on stage any more than Mr Branagh and his cast belong in a pond, so we're very happy that at least in this production company an unfortunate mistake won't be repeated."

Mr Pugh said: "I think Peta have a point, although I would not always agree with the action taken to prove a point."