NOT so many decades ago, people generally thought that animals were mere automatons, without feelings.

Now we all know better, and even continue to discover how many feelings and behaviours animals share with people.

In those years gone by, wild animals were kept in cages and made to perform in circuses.

Today, most captive wild animals live in zoos and safari parks, many of which are good and provide an enriched environment as near as possible to their natural habitat while still in captivity.

Sadly, some circuses still exist, such as the Great British Circus (March 3 and 4), where large wild animals are still kept in cages and made to perform.

It is also very sad that many people do not care, as long as these people can have their "entertainment" and their "kids have a good time for a couple of hours" (Echo February 26).

What is this teaching those kids? It is teaching them not to care about how wild animals are treated and not to have compassion for other living creatures.

It is teaching them not to care about the world in which they live, for all wild animals are part of this world, including humans (which are classified as a wild species).

However well cared for these wild circus animals are, they can never have the life that they deserve.

They are not domesticated cats, they are wild lions and tigers that belong in a different environment, and to cage them, drag them from pillar to post and bring them out for short periods in front of lots of people and noise is stressful and wrong.

They may not look thin and dishevelled, but make no mistake, they will be suffering.

I hope this circus does not have any elephants, as to confine these wonderfully social and intelligent animals in that way is a tragedy.

I have no doubt that the circus owner is very fond of his wild animals, and even, perhaps, sees them as something more than a means to make a living, but the question is does he love them enough to give them up to a better, more enriched and stable life in a wild animal park or sanctuary?

Lesley and Nick Rodgers Station Road, Waddington.

I am pleased to see the recreation ground being used.

I had some concerns about the animal welfare but, as it is backed by DEFRA, and there are vets "on call" I shall look forward to going to the circus.

I think that area should be used more often for events such as these as usually spaces like that get houses crammed on them. As for concerns about traffic and congestion I can't see it being half as busy as when the air show is on and we enjoy that every year. Good luck to them!

G. Pass Brant Road, Waddington.

There's nothing nicer than the old fashioned circus with animals performing in it.

What's the matter with these people who are objecting to it?

I do hope the show is successful and lots of people will come.

Circus people are not cruel to animals or the animals would not perform in the shows.

It's like riders on horseback taking dogs out after foxes. People object to that, which is wrong. Foxes are unpleasant creatures which kill chickens.

Mrs Crawford North Hykeham.