Circus defies animal rights call

By [corson]

One of just half a dozen British circuses to still use animals has arrived in Lincolnshire to entertain youngsters during half term.

It was the first show at Heckington last night with Circus Mondao performing on the showground every day until Sunday.

And the family-run circus is proud to show off its exotic animals, including llamas, camels and zebras, which it regards as pets.

The show also sees horses, Shetland ponies and goats paraded around the ring.

In an act of defiance to the animal rights charity, the Captive Animals Protection Society, which is calling for Lincolnshire families to boycott the show, the cast say they are happy to prove their animals are healthy.

Ringmistress Petra Jackson (32), said: "I'd say to anyone with concerns, 'come and have a look'.

"The animal rights people have got outdated views of circuses.

"Thirty or so years ago horses were kept in stalls but our horses are kept in stables.

"If there was anything wrong with what we're doing we'd be closed down immediately.

"Our llamas do a bit of jumping during the show, but it is a natural movement that has been enhanced.

"We don't have them standing on one leg and pirouetting.

"I say don't judge us until you come and see us."

But Captive Animals Protection Society campaigns director, Craig Redmond, said that the days of transporting animals from town to town were in the past.

"It's time to end the outdated practice of forcing animals to perform for our amusement, particularly when there are lots of high-quality circuses that rely entirely on human skills," he said.

"In the 21st century there can be no excuse for continuing to allow the treatment of animals in this way."

To find out more about the circus see Thursday's Lincolnshire Echo.

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