THE BALLOON MAN

Circus in Figges Marsh, Mitcham, draws protests from animal activists

Charity calls for ban on animal acts as circus comes to town 

from,: yourlocalguardian.co.uk

By Lauren May

Tuesday 8th May 2012 in Wimbledon

An animal charity staged a demonstration outside Zippos circus this week – one of just seven UK circuses’ which still use animals in their show.

Zippo’s big top arrived at Figge’s Marsh in Mitcham on Thursday, May 3, for a six day run performing its new show ‘gold’ featuring an equestrian performance by Yasmine Smart.

But the Captive Animal’s Protection Society has called on the public to boycott the event.

They said the treatment of the animals is unfair because they are are transported from site to site, kept in temporary accommodation, and forced to perform tricks.

Charity calls for ban on animal acts as circus comes to town

Mr Paul Joy, 31, who protested outside the circus on behalf of the charity, said: "It is legal for them to be kept in these conditions but we think it’s morally wrong."

The charity is campaigning for a change in the law which will make using animals in circuses illegal.

 Liz Tyson, director of the charity, said: "We strongly believe that a life of constant transportation, confinement and repetitive unnatural performances is no life for any animal and we would encourage families to choose one of the fantastic all-human shows to get their circus fix this year".

Martin Burton, founder and managing director of Zippos Circus, has had horses performing at his circus for nearly 20 years has said they are kept in the highest of welfare standards.

He said: "We follow a code of conduct with animal welfare at a very high level. 

"It’s important that our horses are given outside exercise areas to practise in, that they get lots of mental stimulation, and we feel it is very important that the time spent in the horse box is kept to a minimum.

"One of the things we do which was revolutionary at the time was to stable the horses at the front of our circus so before the show you can come and look at the horses and admire them.

"We have magnificent horses and I would rather put them on display at the front of the circus."

He added: "If these people have any evidence that there is any compromise to the welfare of our animals then they should report us to the RSPCA who would then visit with the police.

"I completely defend their right to protest - that’s fine. 

"What’s more difficult to defend it when they accuse us of things that are not true."