A PROTEST was held by a Stockport animal rights group at a touring circus which was held in Romiley.
Circus Mondao held nine performances at Waterside Farm between Wednesday and Sunday last week, using animals which included zebra, horses, ponies, dogs, a mule and a rabbit.
The protest was organised by Stockport Animal Defenders, who claim animals in circuses are mistreated, a charge completely dismissed by the Circus Mondao owners.
The Defender's John Brown said: "The public only see the performances and not the suffering. Animals spend a long time tethered and are unable to get sufficient exercise. We don't think in this day and age animals should be here for our entertainment."
An angry Petra Jackson for Circus Mondao said the arguments used were completely at odds with how animal husbandry has improved over the past few decades.
"These people make me furious. Ninety nine per cent of people standing outside know nothing of what is going on at our circus.
"I accept that 20 or 30 years ago animal husbandry wasn't up to scratch, but it is these days. All of our animals are our pets and our mule, which is 30-years-old, was saved by us from an Italian slaughterhouse.
"We keep them in the best conditions and make sure they are the last to be loaded and the first to be unloaded upon departure and arrival. I know whatever I say these protestors have the made up their minds and nothing will alter that."
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Paul Thomas, Manchester (02/05/2007 at 15:23)
Barry, woodley (02/05/2007 at 17:17)
Although I do see what Paul is talking about, I heard one audience member call one of the pigme goats fat and the next thing I knew that same goat was outside with it's hoof down its throat after digging into a 10 pack of jam donuts.
I think this subject should be all about informed decisions and I very much doubt from the ignorant tone of Paul that he actually went.
Terry, Bredbury (02/05/2007 at 17:25)
APC, Marple (03/05/2007 at 10:31)
National Animal Rights groups are on record with statements such as 'Veganism should be Compulsary' and 'ALL animals should be set free to the wild' and 'Animals kept for mans use are slaves and must be freed'. This is about CONTROL not animal rights.
Doctor einar thorsson, sweden (03/05/2007 at 10:47)
Personal desire to view animals is not a reson to submit animals to as lfe in the circus.The bobby roberts circus is a good example of outdated practice and cruelty to animals.
Animals in cirucses cannot get the socialisation they need not express natural behaviour.
In the 21st century animal circuses should be put in the dustbin of history alongside bear bating and other such `traditional `methods of entertainment
sue, romiley (03/05/2007 at 10:54)
sue
Kelly, At a circus (03/05/2007 at 14:08)
Kelly, England (03/05/2007 at 14:16)
Andrew Lewis, North Lincolnshire (03/05/2007 at 22:13)
As for cruelty to animals,as all could see at the circus,there was none. About time the anti's actually spent time at a circus to see what actually goes on,rather than sat outside looking in with their minds made up. The paying public are not stupid.If they thought Circus Mondao or any other circus was cruel to its animals they simply would not support it.FACT.
If British circuses are so cruel,why are they still operating.
If British circuses are cruel,why are the owners/animal trainers not up in court on cruelty charges.
Anti's get a grip and get a life.
Animals are here to stay.
LONG LIVE TRADITIONAL ANIMAL CIRCUSES.
Miss Cooper, Stockport (04/05/2007 at 12:49)
barry, woodley (04/05/2007 at 12:53)
Please note that everyone who is against the circus here is not informed and has not been, aside from Sue who is obviously just jumping on the bandwagon.
Anyway I'm off now to train my stick insect to nut happy clappy protesters who have no idea what they are talking about (drugs).
Terry, Bredbury (08/05/2007 at 14:30)
Being a wild animal is not all fun and games. I've seen David Attenbrough on the telly - it's a dog eat dog world out there. I'd jump though hoops to keep people happy rather than getting chased around Africa by lions and crocodiles etc....
brian, Stockport (09/05/2007 at 12:10)