Circus with camels and reindeer criticised by animal group

A CIRCUS has been criticised by the RSPCA over its use of animals in performances.

Circus Mondao is taking place in Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, until May 1 and features acrobats, clowns, jugglers, showgirls, wire walking and more.

The show also features animals such as horses and camels, which is a controversial subject for many animal rights campaigners.

But the circus says claims of inappropriate conditions and poor treatment of circus animals are “false”.

RSPCA Cymru has urged the public not to attend the circus because it believes the “complex needs” of wild animals cannot be “adequately met” in a circus environment.

Ros Clubb, RSPCA senior scientific officer, said: “Circuses will only continue to use wild animals if the public continue to pay to see them. Many people in Wales are shocked and appalled that such practises still go on.

“Unfortunately, in England, circuses are able to receive a licence from the UK Government to use wild animals.

“In this circus they are licensed to use reindeer and camels.

“However, in Wales, despite large public support, a ban has not been put in place. Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, camels are considered to be dangerous wild animals.

“Reindeer are difficult to keep well in captivity in the UK, being susceptible to stress and a host of health and welfare problems. We believe their welfare needs cannot be met in a travelling circus. The impact of circuses on animal welfare is serious and potentially debilitating for each and every animal involved.

“Animals are forced to endure the constant travel, cramped temporary cages, and noisy conditions of a circus.

“For the sake of animals, please give the circus a miss.”

In response, Petra Jackson, ring mistress of the Circus Mondao, said: “The RSPCA often take advantage of the popularity of circus entertainment to draw attention to their false claims of inappropriate conditions and poor treatment of circus animals.

“The organisation profits from these claims, but sadly they range from ‘misleading’ to ‘woefully inaccurate.’

“Circus Mondao has camels and reindeer; while camels are legally classed in the UK as ‘wild,’ both are grazing species which benefit from the same daily freedom the circus gives its equines – out to graze from first thing until nearly showtime, and treated with care and respect.

“Both species are classed as ‘domesticated’ elsewhere in the world.”

Ms Jackson added: “I would also like to state Circus Mondao are fully licensed and regulated by Defra, the government body for animal welfare.

“We have regular announced and unannounced inspections every year to check our animals. We have nothing to hide, also we have no wild animals performing in our show.”