Lamb National gets the chop from Barton Carnival after online abuse

The Lamb National at Ascot Racecourse in 2017

Organisers of a carnival have cancelled a lamb race following a backlash from animal rights activists.

The "Lamb National", which has taken part in shows across England, had been booked for Barton Carnival in June.

Ben Troop, organiser of the Lincolnshire event, said the committee had been branded "animal abusers" online.

Carys Bennett, from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), said lambs "do not consent" to racing.

Ben Troop, organiser of Barton Carnival, says he received online abuse

Mr Troop said: "We got a backlash - lots and lots of messages speaking out against this [the race].

"Some messages were getting quite personal."

According to Mr Troop, most of the negative comments posted on its social media channels came from outside Barton.

He said the race had been cancelled to spare volunteers torrents of abuse.

Mr Troop added: "We would have been so drained with it."

BBC Look North struggled to find anyone in Barton who was against racing lambs.

The lambs' owner explained the sheep in question were Herdwicks, a breed with a natural ability to jump. He added their welfare is paramount, adding they are saved from slaughter and enjoy a good, long life with plenty of rest.

The lambs' owner says their welfare is paramount

However, Ms Bennett, Peta's group's corporate projects manager, said she believed the animals were being exploited.

"These animals do not consent to this," she said. "There is no need for it. There are so many festivals now that don't have any animal exhibits. We've banned animals in circuses and I'd argue these events aren't much different."