ANIMAL protection campaigners staged a protest outside a circus that had rolled into Kidderminster for a few days.

Circus Mondao, which features a host of animals in its show, was at Hodgehill Nursery from March 23 until Sunday (April 3).

Their residency drew criticism from Wyre Forest Vegans & Veggies, who are campaigning against the use of performing animals and a small group staged a placard waving protest outside the show on March 31.

Among the animals that feature in Circus Mondao are camels, a zebra, reindeer and dogs.

But a spokesman for the circus said that their animals were cared for and well looked after and they were licensed and inspected by Defra.

Ronald Lee, Communications Officer for Wyre Forest Vegans & Veggies, whose members took part in the protest, said: "People attending the circus were very receptive to the protesters' message and several said they'd never go to an animal circus again.

"We believe that the use of animals in circus performances is not only harmful to the welfare of the animals themselves, but also sends a damaging message to the public, and particularly to children, that animals can be manipulated for human amusement.

"Circuses force wild animals to perform unnatural tricks and, when not performing, the animals are kept in cramped conditions which cannot meet their most basic welfare needs.

"Sadly the government is dragging its feet on its promise to ban the use of wild animals in circuses, which is why we are urging the public not to attend circuses which have performing animals, so they switch to just having human performers, which most have already done."

The Circus Mondao spokesman said: “We put on a good show and provide entertainment for all the family.

“The animals in our care are well looked after. Our horses perform dressage, our dogs take part in agility shows, camels give rides to children and visitors can come and see our reindeer.

“We are licensed by the Government and have been inspected by Defra, successfully meeting their requirements. All of this information is contained on the Defra website for people to see.”

In their report following an inspection earlier this year, Defra said the Circus Mondao animals were in “good condition” and issued them with a 12-month licence from March 2.