See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy FRANCINE WOLFISZ, NEWS REPORTER Published: 13:30 BST, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:38 BST, 11 June 2026
A planned snail racing event has been pulled by a council after animal rights activists complained it could cause injury to the creatures.The event was part of Nottingham's Great Big Green Week at the city's Central Library and touted as an 'electronic snail racing demo' that was both 'light-hearted' and 'educational'.People were encouraged to bring in snails from their gardens for the event, which was due to take place yesterday.But campaign group Nottingham Animal Coalition said such a race was 'unnecessary' and called for it to be cancelled.In a social media post, the group said it was 'absolutely shocked' and called the event a 'desperate attempt to engage children'.It also warned that snails need to be picked up in a specific way to ensure they are not detached from their shells or injured. They added that scientific consensus suggests snails feel pain and have nerve endings in their shell and foot. The post added: 'So why, when snails have developed all these methods to protect themselves, would we encourage children to pick them up and handle them, potentially causing injury, displace them from their natural habitat... and then RACE for our entertainment?' A planned snail racing event has been pulled by Nottingham City Council after animal rights activists complained it could cause injury to the creatures Nottingham Animal Coalition member Kerry Kane said the proposed event was 'irresponsible' Nottingham City Council said the event would be cancelled and apologised to anyone who may have 'found the proposed activity upsetting.'Speaking to BBC News, Nottingham Animal Coalition member Kerry Kane, 33, said of the idea: 'It was really irresponsible because of the potential injury you could cause to a snail by picking it up wrong.'You have to gently tap or stroke the shell, so the snail's foot retracts, and then it's safe to remove them and then place them in the direction they were going in.'There's no need to pick a snail up by its shell, because pulling at it from its shell can cause damage and injury.'In a statement posted to social media, Nottingham City Council confirmed the event had now been dropped.It said: 'We apologise to anyone who may have been disappointed by this decision, and equally to anyone who found the proposed activity upsetting.'While the demonstrations were intended as a light-hearted and educational activity, we recognise that some members of the community have expressed genuine concerns about the welfare of the snails involved.'Our aim is always to provide events that are welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.'Many applauded the council move, calling it a 'very good decision'. One social media user said: 'Teaching kids that our precious wildlife are 'toys' is not the kind of education we need!'A second wrote: 'Snails are delicate little sweeties, thank you for not racing them.' Another said: 'The thought of children bringing in snails from across the city to "race" seemed a very contradictory experience for "green" week.'
