ANIMAL protection campaigners staged a protest outside a circus visiting Bewdley against the use of performing animals.

The protesters held placards and distributed leaflets to members of the public attending Peter Jolly's circus yesterday (Sunday, March 29), which featured several animal acts, including camels and zebras.

They were joined by Wyre Forest Green Party parliamentary candidate Natalie McVey, whose party wants an end to the use of animals in circuses.

Ronald Lee, communications officer for Wyre Forest Vegans and Veggies, whose members took part in the protest, said some audience members decided to leave the circus after hearing the messages being conveyed by the protestors.

He said: "People attending the circus were very receptive to the protesters' message and several decided not to go in after reading the leaflets.

"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 has reneged 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."

Wyre Forest Vegans and Veggies campaigns for animal protection locally, as well as promoting a humane lifestyle and diet free from animal products, and can be contacted at wyreforestvegansandveggies@gmail.com or on 01562 700043.