Circus slammed over animal use

A CIRCUS visiting the Dearne Valley this week has been criticised over its continued use of wild animals.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) called on people in in South Yorkshire to boycott Circus Mondao — which features camels and zebras — while it performs in Thurnscoe from today until Sunday.

ADI said the circus was one of two circuses which still feature wild animal acts, an “outdated practice which is overwhelmingly opposed by the public, local authorities and politicians alike, and looks set to be banned in the near future”.

Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International, said: “Most people are now aware of the terrible suffering of wild animals in circuses and shun such acts.

“A national ban has been promised but, until it is brought in, these animals are forced to perform silly tricks and endure conditions which deny them their natural behaviours.

“We urge local people not to support circus suffering and avoid Circus Mondao.”

A statement on the circus website said: “When we move from town to town, our main concern is for our animals and the conditions in which they travel.

“They are the last to be loaded and the first to be unloaded that the next site.

“Their stables take priority and are erected immediately upon arrival. They are given water, hay nets and new beds to roll around in.”