RESIDENTS have flocked to the defence of a travelling circus after it was accused of ‘substandard’ animal care.
Circus Mondao, which includes a clown, acrobats, showgirls and performing animals, arrived in Upton Warren on Wednesday (March 28) and ran shows until Sunday (April 2).
The ‘traditional family circus’ faced backlash from Animal Defenders International (ADI), which alleged the circus had been criticised by Government inspectors for poor animal care including a lack of veterinary attention and substandard animal facilities.
Coming to the defence of Circus Mondao, a number of Bromsgrove residents praised the quality of care, saying the animals were ‘relaxed, fit and healthy’ and in ‘fantastic condition’.
On our Facebook page, Sarah Barnett said: “We go to see Circus Mondao every time it’s in our town, you couldn’t fault the condition of the animals and the conditions they’re in.
“I love seeing them happily grazing as I drive past every day.”
Russell Osborne said: “I’ve seen this circus three times now, each time I’ve been to see the animals backstage and all I’ve seen were happy, relaxed and chilled out animals that look in amazing condition.
“They are also kept in large clean enclosures.
“My daughters and I love going and will keep going as long as they keep returning to our area.”
John Stevens said: “Have any of the so called animal loving protesters actually been to visit the animals at Circus Mondao?
“No of course not because if they had they would have been impressed with the welfare and conditions under which the animals are kept.
“When travelling from town to town their transport is first class and very much shorter journeys than horses that race for a living.”
Ringmistress of Circus Mondao, Petra Jackson, defended the care of the animals and said: “We are always being victimised by different organisations and we constantly have to defend ourselves.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with what we are doing.
“Our animals are not in cramped cages, they have huge paddocks to roam in, their purpose-built stabling has plenty of room and the horses travel by horse box, it is all up to regulation standard.
“We love our animals, they have always been a part of the family and are with us for life.”
Ronald Lee is the communications officer for Worcestershire Vegan Action which supported a protest against the use of performing animals.
He said: “We believe the use of animals in circus performances is not only harmful to the welfare of the animals themselves, but also sends a damaging message to the public, and particularly to children, that animals can be manipulated for human amusement.
“Circuses force wild animals to perform unnatural tricks and, when not performing, the animals are kept in cramped conditions which cannot meet their most basic welfare needs.”
Placards were held and leaflets were distributed during the protest at the site of the circus.
