ORGANISERS of Caiman alligator racing at Ealing Studios last week are currently under investigation by several national agencies, including Customs and Excise and the Wildlife Unit.

The animals were used in a charity gambling event, organised by betting website Bluesq.com, and was broadcast live on the internet.

Daniel Turner, zoo check co-ordinator for the Bornfree Foundation, who condemned the racing said, "I have since written to Bluesq.com asking them to reflect on their use of wild animals for betting purposes and I hope they will reconsider using wild animals in the future."

Mr Turner has also written to the Department of Food and Rural Affairs to see if the current policy could be changed to ensure that this sort of exploitation of wildlife is not allowed to happen again.

"It is extremely unlikely that Bluesq.com will be using wild animals again. This was a one-off event which we thought would be positive publicity for endangered reptiles. It's a shame Mr Turner disagrees with our view," said Ed Pownall of Bluesq.com

A spokesperson for Ealing Council said "Two vets from the Corporation of London visited Ealing studios in Ealing Green to inspect the premises. Their report illustrated that the alligators were being treated well, all necessary precautions had been taken and all safety requirements were met."