AN animal rights group is calling on people to boycott a circus which is performing at Silsden.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has condemned Circus Mondao for its use of animals in acts, which it claims is cruel and outdated.

But circus bosses have hit back, saying they adhere to strict regulations and that all the animals are well looked after.

ADI says Mondao, which is performing at Silsden from tomorrow until Sunday and then at Wilsden, is one of just two circuses still featuring wild animal acts.

"We have repeatedly documented the suffering and abuse of wild animals in circuses," said ADI president, Jan Creamer.

"Circuses simply cannot meet the needs of wild animals in small, mobile accommodation.

"The Government has promised a ban, but we're asking people to vote with their feet – don't go to a circus with animals."

She added that suffering endured by circus animals was widely recorded and welfare was always compromised.

However the allegations are refuted by Petra Jackson, ringmistress with Circus Mondao.

The circus has animals including horses, reindeer, llamas and camels.

"We are fully licensed and regulated by the Government," she told us.

"Many inspections – including unannounced visits – take place during the year, carried out by Defra and independent vets.

"They ensure the animals are fit and well and are being properly cared for.

"What our animals do is no different to what a horse goes through in a dressage competition and indeed is much less than, for example, in the Olympics.

"And the animals travel considerably less than horses competing in showjumping.

"They haven't been plucked from the wild. This is their routine."

She added: "This is the first time we've been to Silsden for three years and the response from the public has been fantastic.

"We've had people queuing for tickets."