WISBECH: Circus Mondao hits back at cruelty claims by animal protection society

ORGANISERS of a circus, which opens in Wisbech tomorrow, have hit back at animal right campaigners who claim it is cruel. The Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) is urging people to boycott Circus Mondao, which features llamas, zebras, horses, goat

ORGANISERS of a circus, which opens in Wisbech tomorrow, have hit back at animal right campaigners who claim it is cruel.

The Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS) is urging people to boycott Circus Mondao, which features llamas, zebras, horses, goats, rabbits, dogs, a camel and three chickens.

But Ring Mistress Petra Jackson said her circus is inspected on an almost weekly basis by welfare organisations and that their animals are happy and well-looked after.

"We love our animals and they are like part of the family," she said.

She said if the animals were not well looked after then the inspectors would immediately close them down and the animals would be taken off them.

And she said that the animals are trained and that campaigners claim that making the animals perform is unnatural - but riding a horse is unnatural as is putting a dog on a lead.

She added: "The last time we were in Wisbech was in 2006 and we had a fantastic response and this year we are hoping to bring an even bigger and better show."

However CAP's Campaigns officer, Paul Thomas, said: "People can now enjoy circuses without animals being forced to perform.

"Most circuses now feature an all-human cast, removing the need to keep animals confined for long periods, transport them around the country and use hidden training methods to make them perform in the ring."

He added: "We would encourage people to avoid all animal circuses, particularly with an all human-show being in town at the same time."

The circus in Wisbech is at the Doggie Day Centre on the A1101, Outwell Road from Wednesday February 25 until March 1.