THE BALLOON MAN

Controversial circus in visit to supermarket 


 

CIRCUS MONDAO: The circus promises traditional family entertainment including live performing animals
from: lep.co.uk
Published on Tuesday 29 May 2012 
A circus is coming to a supermarket in Preston this week amid complaints from animal activists.




Circus Mondao is erecting a big top tent in the car park at the Asda superstore in Pittman Way, Fulwood, from tomorrow until Sunday.


The circus promises a family fun show and is working with Asda to raise funds for two charities, Fields In Trust and Tickled Pink.


But demonstrators are not happy with its use of animals including camels, llamas, zebras, horses, ponies and dogs.


Kathy Musker, founder of the Respect for Wildlife group, said Asda “should be ashamed”.


She said: “We are appalled that Asda, a supposedly ethical company, have allowed a notorious animal circus on their land.


“The majority of the public have spoken, via their MPs, against animal circuses and they will soon be banned, but in the meantime these poor creatures are trailed around in beast wagons and made to perform unnatural acts.”


An email sent to Asda and the Evening Post complained about the company’s “unethical use and exploitation of animals”.


However, a response from an Asda worker said it had spoken to the circus and were happy that the animals they used in their show were “extremely well cared for”. 


Mondao Circus spokesman Petra Jackson said its animals were part of its family, received “a lot of love and care” and lived and travelled in purpose-built “portable stabling” when not grazing on fields.


She said: “We are really passionate about our animals in the circus and it really does upset us that these people cause trouble for us when they have never been to the circus and seen the animals for themselves.


“Everybody loves Britain’s Got Talent and what won it this year? A performing dog. So what’s wrong with a performing dog in our circus? 


“None of our animals do anything unnatural.”