Animal circus rolls up in the county
A controversial animal circus on its way to the county is facing furious opposition from residents and campaigners.
The Great British Circus, which uses lions, tigers and other animals in its performances, will be pitching up in Waddington later this month.
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Ringmaster Martin Lacey asks for a kiss from his lion Shaka at the Great British Circus, which is coming to the county.
And its imminent arrival has generated a storm of opposition from locals and animal rights campaigners.
Activists say they are outraged that the group still uses animals, while residents say the circus will be too noisy and clog up local roads during its three-week stay.
Bosses at the circus insist they adhere to world-class standards in looking after their animals.
But opponents are still hoping they can halt the plans before the circus arrives on February 21.
David McKennacorrect, a resident from Hobart Close in Waddington, said "101 per cent" of his village was against it.
"We are going to do our damnedest to stop this," he said.
"The whole thing will be a disaster."
44 Comments
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by Paul, Waddington
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:11AM
“All the negativity puts us all in a unhappy place, I am revolting from Davids village and say I am not against it.”
by Resident, Waddington
Thursday, February 25 2010, 11:10AM
“El - yes it is the field behind your house
Paul - you've lost me, whats it got to do with Christmas?”
by Paul Jackson, Waddington
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 8:52AM
“WE WANT THE CIRCUS. Becasue we love it and don't care about any noise or traffic, GO CIRCUS. Think about the youth, You have ruined CHRISTMAS I hope you are happy i am angry and upset. :'(”
by El, Waddington
Friday, February 12 2010, 2:07PM
“Where exactly is this circus setting up and taking place? I have a funny feeling it's the field behind my house! Pine Close. How safe is this going to be to those of us who's houses back onto that field? And how much noise are we going to have to put up with?”
by Resident, Waddington
Friday, February 12 2010, 11:35AM
“Apologies, it is the author and not Lacey who made the previous statement from the Nick Louth article.
However, Lacey's comment following that sentence does not look like he disagrees nor does he appear to have contested the article so my original question still stands.”
by Mandy, Lincoln
Friday, February 12 2010, 11:08AM
“Sadly many people do not realize that these animals are not being treat kindly. One reason is because they are born with natural instincts and that does not include a life sentence behind bars. Mr. Lacey dismissed a member of staff after he was filmed hitting the elephants ears with a broom and it is a most tender part of the elephant and it squealed. It was also shown on sky news how the elephants were tied up and swinging their heads side to side as they were being mentally driven mad. It was recognised and a spokesman said the elephants were excited about their next performance ! As for the lions, they have not been trained in the same way as a dog. They are trained in a way that is damn well unacceptable and again denied as everything is ! You and I are shown what they want you to see and the lions might look healthy but looks are deceiving in the same way as Mr. Lacey is. If he really loves the animals then why are they being bred for mistreatment and money? Please remember that when you go to the circus you go home or somewhere afterwards that is a natural environment and yet these animals are left behing bars. Their so called life is " CAGE TO STAGE " and it is not accepted by RSPCA and he has been wrong in saying they agree with it. They are not allowed access without appointment and even then it is not accepted by Lacey. Take a look at animal welfare and don't allow your child to presume that elephants and lions come from a circus. I will add also that seeing as Mr. Lacey knows everything he is unaware of protestors outside zoos with banners! Oh dear, not that clever then? Those in the know will not go ! The truth is out there and you can see it if you just look utube. Have a nice day Lacey, the animals won't!”
by Circus spokesman, Lincolnshire
Friday, February 12 2010, 10:44AM
“Thankyou, Fs. Your comment has steered me in the right direction, and I have now been able to locate the article mentioned by Resident. You are quite right; it is the writer, not Martin Lacey, who uses those words, and that's a different thing altogether. It may add colour for a journalist to paint a garish picture, but colour is not the same as accuracy.”
by Fs, lincoln
Friday, February 12 2010, 10:22AM
“Resident from waddington, should that not be nick louth states?”
by Circus spokesman, Lincolnshire
Thursday, February 11 2010, 6:39PM
“Parking for circus visitors will be on site. This again is part of the circus's normal operation. I haven't been given exact times for performances at Waddington, but subject to confirmation shows normally begin at 5pm and 7.30pm on weekdays (Wednesday to Friday only), 2 & 5 on Saturdays, 3pm on Sundays. Each performance is a little less than two hours, so the latest finishing time will be 9.30pm. I repeat my comments re possible noise; loud music wouldn't suit the circus audience, music is to accompany the performance and is inside only. The circus attracts a family audience, who tend to get in the car and go straight home afterwards. I'd be interested to see the original of the article you quote; could you please say where it's from, and when?”
by Resident, Waddington
Thursday, February 11 2010, 5:48PM
“In addition to my previous comment, I have just read an article on the Great British Circus where Lacey states
'The circus is essentially a village on the move, and with all the troubles that any community could expect. That includes petty crime, professional rivalries, family feuds, and even lover¿s tiffs.'
Does this mean locals have to be aware of the possibility of more crime in the area while the circus is around? Or does it mean crime/feuds etc. within it's own ranks?”