ANIMAL rights campaigners are demanding a boycott of a controversial circus – starring an elephant – appearing in Porthmadog this week. Bobby Roberts Circus began performing at the Sports Club yesterday (Wednesday) and is at Y Traeth until Sunday. It is the only circus currently touring the UK with an elephant, and is one of just eight still to use animals. The Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) opposes the use of all animals in circuses, and said it receives more complaints about the Bobby Roberts Circus than any other in the UK. But circus publicity says it was voted the best with animals and number one for their care. Craig Redmond, CAPS campaigns manager, said: “In addition to using horses, ponies and dogs in its acts, the circus has a solitary, arthritic, elephant, Anne. “She appears for just a few minutes in the interval so visitors can have a photo taken with her. “Elephants are social and intelligent animals who can suffer a range of physical and mental problems in captivity. Elephant experts condemn their use in circuses. “We are not opposed to circuses, only to the use of animals, and we encourage people to avoid those circuses and visit one that relies only on human skills,” he said. Westminster is presently debating a bill which would see a ban on wild species in travelling shows. Circus spokeswoman Moira Roberts rejected CAPS’ criticism. She said: “CAPS are a tiny minority who are very capable of making themselves heard. “We do our best to entertain people and people want to see our animals. Anne couldn’t go anywhere other than with the circus. “She’s exceptionally well cared for. She’s not lonely in any way. She has as many animals as she needs for company as well as human company.” A vet for the circus had said: “She is an old animal requiring constant care, and her arthritis means she will need repeated treatment, which I am fully confident she will get in her current home.” | 
