Circus defends use of animals following call for boycott of Leeds shows

Circus Mondao, pictured near Wigan last year.

Campaigners are calling on people in Leeds to stage a boycott of an animal circus that is about to pitch up in the city.

Circus Mondao begins a 12-day run of shows on private land at Otley Old Road near Horsforth on Wednesday.

It says the llamas, horses and other animals that feature in its shows receive the “highest level of care”.

But the Animal Defenders International (ADI) campaign group today urged families to steer clear of the circus during its stay.

Circus ringmistress Petra Jackson with Kachana the camel.

Voicing concern about the industry in general, ADI president Jan Creamer said: “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.”

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) group has called for the event’s visit to Leeds to be cancelled.