THE LIVE CRIB in Dublin City Centre is officially opening today for the Christmas period.

The event organised by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) brings animals such as donkeys and sheep to the Mansion House on Dawson Stret, where the public can queue to catch a glimpse.

In recent years, the live crib has garnered criticism from animal lovers who say the setting is inappropriate and causes the animals distress.

Debating it on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Laura Broxson of Ireland’s National Animal Rights Association said it’s “not their natural environment”.

“They might have food, water and bedding, but they’re not going to be used to the noise, the lights, people banging on the perspex.”

She suggested an animatronic display instead.

The animals are transported back and forth to their farms every day that the crib is on display.

IFA President Francie Gorman said organising the crib each year is enjoyable for him. It’s a “way of saying thank you to the people of Dublin”.

“Just to see the expression on young people’s faces when they come in, it gives you an uplift.”

Broxson said: “Just because something is entertaining, doesn’t mean it should happen.

“There’s no difference in comprehension between [farm animals and] any kind of companion animal. Could a dog recognise if something is stressful or loud or noisy? Absolutely.

“This is Dawson Street. They’re kept in these little square enclosures. It’s not normal.”

Broxson added: “If it’s to showcase Irish farming, then they should be showcasing what they do to pigs, sow farms, farrowing crates, or turkey farms where they slice their beaks off. That’s the IFA.”

Gorman said Ireland farms have “the highest animal welfare standards in the world”.

He argued that most members of the public respond positively to the live crib.

The crib will be open from today, 5 December until Christmas Eve.