ANIMAL activists have slammed a growing practice of adorning ponies with blue coats, rainbow mains and unicorn horns for childrens’ birthday parties.

A craze sweeping the UK has seen children paint spots, stripes and hearts on horses. Some are even given the unicorn treatment, with horns and glitter.

media_camera Activists have warned against painting horses and turning them into a My Little Pony.

Those behind the equine party accessory say the paint is non-toxic and harmless to the animals, which simply feel like they are being groomed while the paint is brushed on.

But animal rights campaigners are calling for a ban on the activity in which horses are made to look like My Little Pony toys.

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Elisa Allen, director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals UK (PETA), said: “Allowing kids to treat animals like colouring books is a lesson in insensitivity to which no thoughtful parents would expose their children. Ponies aren’t party props.’’

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This article originally appeared on The Sun and is reproduced with permission.