A global animal rights charity today called on Bradford residents to boycott a travelling circus that still controversially uses wild animals in its shows.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has expressed its concern for the welfare of the animals in Peter Jolly’s circus, which is currently hosting performances on private land in Queensbury.

The circus, which features lions, tigers, zebras and camels, attracted protests from animal welfare campaigners when it visited Otley last week.

ADI Chief Executive Jan Creamer said: “We urge everyone in the Bradford area to visit circuses with human-only acts. Those acts have a choice.”

However, as reported in yesterday’s T&A, Jolly’s insist they have all the neccesary governmental licences for the wild animals and say their welfare is of the utmost importance.

Owner Peter Jolly added: “While we appreciate there are some who are opposed to our art form, the public themselves are voting with their feet.”