1:26pm UK, Saturday October 25, 2003

A US city's annual Christmas parade is under threat after the passing of a controversial law requiring horses to wear nappies.

The law, passed in Lucendale, Mississippee, requires all livestock - horses, cattle, sheep, mules and others - to wear the device when they pass through town.

Horse riders are reportedly up-in-arms and say they may boycott the city's annual Christmas parade.

Last year, the parade drew 250 riders. The law will take effect November. 7.

It was the number of riders that was part of the problem, said Lucedale Alderwoman Gladys Hobdy.

"With that many horses, there wasn't no place, you know?" Hobdy said. "There were some pretty horses. They left us with a pretty mess."

At Lucedale Livestock, employee Shannon George wasn't sure what sort of device would do the job.

Rotary Club President Jim Young said the organisation, which backed the ordinance, will meet with horse owners and may present aldermen with a compromise.

As it stands, the city has said it will not enforce the law during the parade, Young said.