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Big top controversy as circus comes to town
STAFF at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium are more used to herds of football fans – but yesterday camels were seen grazing on land outside the ground.
The exotic animals enjoyed a stroll among the long grass around the venue before going back into training for their circus act.
Zebras are also part of the Circus Mondao, which is setting up on land close to the stadium's east stand, with other acts including illusionists, clowns and trapeze artists.
The head of the Keepmoat Stadium management company which booked Circus Mondao, Shane Chalmers, welcomed the big top, but the show immediately faced a boycott call.
Animal rights charity, the Captive Animals' Protection Society said the use of the animals in the show was cruel and said people should not buy tickets.
Campaign director Craig Redmond said: "We would encourage people to avoid all animal circuses. People can enjoy circuses without animals being forced to perform.
"Most circuses now feature an all-human cast, removing the need to keep animals confined for long periods, transport them around the country and use hidden training methods to make them perform in the ring.
"We would encourage people to avoid all animal circuses and wait until one of the many amazing all-human shows arrives in town."
Circus manager Jason Timmis yesterday rejected any suggestion that the animals were kept in cruel or inhumane conditions and said he had challenged protesters to visit them to see for themselves.
He added: "When the animals are not performing they are out in a field and are able to wander freely. They are not tied up and have access to as much food and water as they could want.
"They work for around 10 minutes as part of the circus show and then they are back out in the field or in covered stables which we set up which are 60 square metres (650 sq ft).
"All our animals are kept in accordance with strict government guidelines and we are checked by inspectors to make sure that is the case.
"I have asked the campaigners to come and see the animals, but they
have always refused."
Mr Chalmers said the stadium was happy to book the circus and added: "Circus Mondao has some brilliant acts which we are delighted to welcome to the venue.
"We are sure such a family friendly circus will bring plenty of fun to the region."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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