Animal-rights campaigners are urging people not to attend a circus in Silsden. They are protesting against the Bobby Roberts circus which is due to perform from Tuesday until Sunday.

The circus, performing at Jackson's Riverside Field off Keighley Road, has been condemned by Bradford Animal Protection Group, Bradford council and some local residents. The council operates a ban on circuses performing on its land.

A spokesman for the Bradford Animal Protection Group told the Keighley News this week: "Shopkeepers are given free tickets in return for displaying posters for the circus, although many do not use them. We have been dropping leaflets at shops in Silsden and Keighley revealing the humiliation, cruel training routines and cramped living and travelling conditions suffered by these animals. We have asked shopkeepers not to promote the circus."

Circuses have been at the centre of controversy during past visits to the district. In 1992 three animal-rights protestors were taken to hospital after being prevented from handing out leaflets. More recently, Bradford council recreation boss Barry Thorne and other protestors met a 'frosty reception' from circus staff. Cllr Thorne says the circus is not welcome.

In a letter to the Keighley News, Cathy Liddle, of Elm Grove, Silsden, says the people of Silsden should say no to the sad spectacle of animals providing 'entertainment' (See letter on page 10).

The circus's publicity says the Roberts family name has been synonymous with this form of showmanship for more than 50 years. The circus features Royal Command Indian Elephants and liberty horses performing in ultra-violet light. There are also performing poodles and geese.

Despite repeated attempts to contact the circus no one was available to comment as the Keighley News went to press yesterday.

Animal welfare campaigners nationwide this week called for circuses to be banned following the death of Kenya, a 13-year-old African elephant thought to have suffered internal crush injuries during a fall.

Kenya was stranded more than 12 hours as fire crews and a vet fought to save her. It is thought she toppled over following a nudge from one of her three stable mates at a winter resting place near Grantham in Lincolnshire.

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