Animal rights protesters are planning to gather outside the big top of Circus Mondao this weekend as it begins a week-long run in Weston.
The circus, which uses llamas, horses and a camel, argues that they enjoy what they do and are well cared for, but Lincoln Animal Rights group believes animals should not be used in circuses – a view shared by the RSPCA.
Karina Saunders (42), of Spalding, will be one of those outside the tent handing out animal cruelty leaflets and urging people not to go in.
She said: “These animals shouldn’t be in circuses. It is unfair on them to have to travel up and down the country and have to perform.
“Circus Mondao also lets people pet the animals which causes extra stress.
“The noise – the music and the audience – and environment of a circus is atrocious for these creatures. If they had a voice, they would say ‘no’.”
Circus Mondao has faced similar criticism elsewhere and regularly posts videos and photos online to counter claims its animals are unhappy or uncared for.
Its website states: “The chance to be in contact with animals is one of the most popular and enduring aspects of a visit to the circus.
“For most people a circus or zoo is the only chance they will have to see a real elephant or tiger up close and in person.
“Performing animals entertain and educate and remind us of our responsibility for their care, well-being and future survival.”
It adds: “We always put the satisfaction of our audience and the well-being of our lovely animals in first place so every year we invest in improving our transportation, animal conditions and programme.
“When we travel 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 at the next site.
“The average distance travelled is only between 20 and 50 miles. Their stables take priority and are erected immediately upon arrival. They are given water, hay nets and new beds to roll around on.”
The RSPCA says: “We’re campaigning against the use of wild animals in circuses and lobbying Westminster to ban their use in England, as other countries have already done.
“We don’t believe animals should be subjected to the conditions of circus life. Regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance, loud noises and crowds of people are often unavoidable realities for the animals.”
- More than 80,000 people signed an online petition to oppose a pet rabbit and guinea pig breeding centre in Whaplode Drove, which has now been denied planning permission.
Campaigners stated this type of breeding exacerbates numbers of unwanted pets.
South Holland District Council said it was inappropriate development in the open countryside.
