Letter: Circus animals were always looked after
Letter: As a young boy in Birmingham, pre World War Two, I went to many circuses, which in those days always included animals.
Letter: As a young boy in Birmingham, pre World War Two, I went to many circuses, which in those days always included animals.
One of the most famous was Bertram Mills Circus, which used to travel around the UK by train.
Every conceivable animal – including elephants, lions, tigers, liberty horses, sea-lions, etc – together with clowns, trapeze artists, animal trainers and others, delighted their audiences.
All the animals were in beautiful condition and their performances brilliant.
After the war I worked for 44 years, both on farms and in agricultural education. I have been involved with all classes of livestock and I can honestly say that if you want to get the best from any animal, then you have got to think like that animal.
It might sound a bit far fetched to the uninitiated, but ask any stockman and they will agree.
It would be a shame for children in the future if they were denied the enjoyment of a circus without animals.
Today, equestrian events, agricultural shows, dog shows, sheep dog trials, sea life centres, etc, all show how animals can be trained to enjoy carrying out extraordinary feats, which the general public enjoy and support.
Keith Iddles
Wem
