Nurseries defend right to have pets

The animal charity warned that nurseries can be "noisy and frightening places" for animals and called on managers and teachers to promote animal welfare without keeping pets. It said nurseries could use soft toys, books and visits to see animals in their natural habitat instead.

But Claire Bond, manager of the Clayhall Nursery in Redbridge, said the RSPCA was wrong. She says its pet rabbit Moonbeam is treated well and helps children learn about animal welfare. "We teach them having a pet is a real responsibility," she said. "Reading about animals does not compare to having a pet there."

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, also challenged the advice. "Animals within settings can be useful in helping children learn about responsibility, caring and the natural environment," she said.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "Our policy remains that we do not think it is the best environment for animals. The animal's welfare is always our priority."