Colchester: Circus criticised for misleading (From Gazette)

Colchester: Circus criticised for misleading

1:55pm Thursday 25th May 2006 in

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A CIRCUS currently in Colchester has been criticised for suggesting that the RSPCA had inspected and approved the show.

The Great British Circus, one of only three still touring the country with animals, was criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority for a "misleading" leaflet.

The RSPCA, which has long campaigned against animals in circuses, had complained about an advert which showed two performers giving a thumbs up sign above the words "This circus has been RSPCA inspected".The circus is at London Ringmaster Martin Lacey said that since 1976 he has allowed the RSPCA to inspect his animals, and in that time they have "found no cause for complaint".

RSPCA spokesman David Bowles said: "To imply that we endorse or approve such outdated entertainment, when in fact we have significant concerns for the welfare of circus animals, is misleading in the extreme," he said.