A CIRCUS has been warned to quieten its animals - after a complaint about a noisy donkey.

Circus Mondao said it was stunned at the `ridiculous and hilarious' request.

The touring circus, based until today at Ashton under Lyne Rugby Club, has a collection of 38 animals - including camels, zebras, llamas, pigmy goats and mules.

There is only one donkey - a three-year-old male called Seven - who is part of an animal act.

Ring mistress Petra Jackson said a neighbour complained to Tameside council about the donkey's braying.

The council said it was `duty bound' to follow-up the complaint with a visit.

Ms Jackson said she was working in the animal paddocks when a man spoke to her from a window of a nearby house.

She said: "He said that the donkey had woken him up in the morning and it was not right. He said he was going to complain to the council.

"We have been very popular since we have been here. People are coming to watch the shows and see the animals. We have had lots of compliments.

"The council said that we have to keep the animals quiet or face further action. How can you quieten an animal? We just think it is hilarious.

"We are sorry if Seven has disrupted someone's sleep or upset someone. But what do they want us to do? Gag him?"

The circus, which launched in 2006 and features clowns, illusionists and aerial acts, has rented the ground.

The animals are kept in stables inside marquees at night then released into paddocks during the day.

Ms Jackson said: "Our caravans are not right near the houses. They must be about 50 or 60 metres away. A lot of people have said how wonderful it is.

"Seven is quite a placid donkey really and we rescued him. He is a lovely little character. He is not overly-noisy and it is not like he brays all day. All the animals greet us in the mornings."

Tameside council said: "Because a member of the public made an official complaint about noise from the animals, an officer was sent down to investigate.

"He had a conversation with a man, who said he was the site manager, who was more than helpful and offered to ensure the animals were not let out of their pens too early in the morning.

"The officer also noticed the animal enclosures were around 100 metres away from the houses concerned and after talking to all parties concerned, left the site believing that would be the end of the matter."