Animal circus hit by boycott call

Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus hit the headlines last year over the alleged mistreatment of Anne the elephant, who has since been re-homed. The circus owners face trial in June charged with causing unnecessary suffering to the elephant.

The circus uses horses, dogs and ponies in performances.

The director of the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, Liz Tyson, said the Government had recently pledged to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

She added: “If wild animal acts are banned, we would be delighted, but we remain concerned for all animals in circuses, whether domestic or wild. We strongly believe that a life of constant transportation, confinement and repetitive unnatural performances is no life for any animal.”

The Cambridgeshire-based Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus was unavailable for comment yesterday. On its website, the circus say it is “proud” of its animal welfare and invites visitors to see the animals in their stables after performances.