THE ring mistress of a travelling circus which has come to Somerset has defended their use of animals in their shows after concerned residents said it 'shouldn't be allowed.'
Circus Mondao has come to Highbridge and will be performing their shows at the Oaktree Arena from today (Wednesday, April 18) until Sunday, April 22.
The colourful circus promises to be a fun day out for all the family with trapeze artists, clowns, acrobats, jugglers, animal rides and a special 'wheel of death' showstopper finale.
Performers show off their skills on The Wheel of Death. Credit - Circus Mondao
Petra Jackson, ring mistress for the circus, said: "We are really excited to be performing in Somerset, it is our first time here.
"We are a traditional family circus and have a jam packed show which we hope people will enjoy."
But Highbridge residents have hit out at the circus on social media and criticised their use of camels, llamas and ponies in their shows.
One resident said: "Circus Mondao being licensed and regulated by Defra doesn’t mean that using animals to perform for human amusement is right.
"They use camels, it shouldn't be allowed."
Another said: "I can't understand why the circus uses still use animals."
Animal Defenders International has also urged Highbridge residents to stay away from the circus saying using wild animals in performances is 'an outdated practice which is overwhelmingly opposed by the public and animal experts.'
Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International, said: “Animal Defenders International has repeatedly documented the suffering and abuse of animals in circuses.
"Circuses simply cannot meet the needs of animals in small, mobile accommodation.
"You can help stop the suffering – don’t go to a circus with animals.”
But Petra has defended her position.
She said the animals have large enclosures and said they are 'a part of her family'.
The dressage horses grazing in a field before the show. Credit - Circus Mondao
"What is the difference between our dog and the dog on Britain's Got Talent?,"Petra said.
"For two years the British people have voted for a performing dog to win, they love seeing performing animals perform."
Animals are allowed to perform at a circus providing the owner holds a wildlife licence.
Circus Mondao is fully licensed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and receives several inspections by government vets each year.
These inspections check the animals’ health, welfare, their enclosure conditions and safety.
Petra said she regularly posts videos of the animals on Circus Mondao's Facebook page to show how they are cared for when they are not performing.
The circus also allows people to visit the stables and meet the circus’ animals after the shows.
"A number of these animals have been with us for a number of years, they are a part of my family," Petra said.
"I care for the animals myself, they are not a commodity to us.
"As a circus we have always wanted to be transparent with people so we post videos of the animals on the farm to show that they have large enclosures and that they are well looked after.
"The animals only perform for five minutes or so each day, the rest of the time we look after them."
Weekday shows will take place at 5pm and 7.30pm, Saturday shows will start at 2pm and 5pm and there will be one show on Sunday at 2pm.
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