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Row brews over ageing circus elephant
Animal rights groups have slammed a circus in Wigan for allegedly refusing to let an ageing performing elephant retire.
Campaigners are up in arms about the Bobby Roberts Super Circus which rolled into town yesterday.
The cause of their concern is an elephant called Anne, who protesters believe should be allowed to retire.
Susan Taylor, 36, of Abram, said: "Every time this circus turns up in Wigan I'm horrified. These poor animals are transported so much and they live life on the road.
"They are tethered all the time. I've visited the circus before and Anne shows signs of stressed out behaviour, she sways a lot.
"I've seen it myself, I've paid to watch the circus so I could see what goes on for years. She has been in the circus more than 50 years and she is ready to retire."
Craig Redmond, campaigns director for the Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS), said: "A travelling circus is no life for any animal.
"Anne is now in her late 50s and has arthritis. She may be too arthritic to perform typical circus tricks any more, but she is still transported across the country so people can pay to have their photo taken alongside her. She deserves a real retirement, in a sanctuary with others of her species."
Circus administrator Moira Roberts said: "We genuinely care for our animals, the people who come to our shows know that.
"The CAPS are a small minority who make themselves heard, but fortunately the majority who come to see us enjoy the show, and they speak to us about the care of the animals.
"She's 56 and she has been with us since she was four – this is home. The animal welfare and RSPCA have checked us out. Anne has a little bit of arthritis, but she doesn't suffer with it.
"Despite what the protesters say, she's not tethered all the time, she has an area with an electric fence round to walk in and she's free in the stables.
"When Bobby is sure in his mind that she's ready to settle down, we have a big field for her to do just that. She actually retired 10 years ago and doesn't perform any more.
"When the people of Wigan don't want us to come any more they'll vote with their feet – until then we will continue to come."
Bobby Roberts Super Circus will be at The Greyhound Hotel on the A580, Leigh, until Monday.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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