I remember, in the years after the Second World War, when my mum and dad used to take me to see the circus with all the animals, especially the tigers and elephants.

We all thought what a lovely, exciting experience it was and long may it last, with the animals, clowns and trapeze artists.

Why do people now have to spoil the enjoyment of such a long tradition as the circus?

OK, I and many other people didn’t know how animals were treated, but with the health and safety rules in place these days, surely the standard is far better than in the old days.

I am a great lover of tradition and especially the circus, and I travel far and wide to see it.

Ron Simmonds
Rectory Grove
Wickford

...I note the call to ban animal circuses in the Echo’s Comment (Aug 13).

Unfortunately, local authorities do not have the power to ban animal circuses from private land, although they can inspect them.

However, the Captive Animals’ Protection Society encourages all councils to implement a ban on the use of performing animals in circuses on land over which they have jurisdiction. Around 200 councils prohibit animal circuses from their land.

The society is working closely with other animal protection agencies, including the RSPCA, to lobby the Government for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Garry Sheen
Development Director
Captive Animals’ Protection Society
PO Box 4186
Manchester