A row has broken out over a circus which is due to perform in mid-Essex.
Animal welfare charity the RSPCA has claimed it is not happy that the Great British Circus, which uses animals in its shows, is displaying signs saying it has their approval.
The charity is now reiterating it does not approve of animals being used in such forms of entertainment and would prefer people to go and see ones that do not.
Regional RSPCA spokesman Klare Kennett said: "We are not happy with the fact that the circus is saying that they are approved or inspected by the RSPCA, which gives the impression that they have our approval of using animals in this way.
"We do not approve of the use and entertainment of this sort in any way."
The circus will be at Essex Regiment Way in Chelmsford between Tuesday, September 14 and Sunday, September 26.
But circus animal trainer John Bird said: "Nowhere does it say that we are approved by the RSPCA. They say the RSPCA inspects us and has done so on a regular basis since 1976.
"It's right that the public should be told that the RSPCA inspects us."
Published Thursday, September 9, 2004
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