The organisers of the British Grand National are being criticised by animal rights campaigners over safety.

THE Guardian newspaper in Britain recently reported on a row that has broken out over the future of a thrush-sized bird introduced from South America.

ANIMAL welfare groups have called for an outright ban on the Grand National following the deaths of two horses in Saturday’s race.

Animal rights campaigners are expected at the Aintree Grand National today to protest against the way horses are treated.