Protest over Big Top animal acts

Campaigners calling for an end to the use of animals in circus shows have staged a demonstration in north London.

The Captive Animals' Protection Society (Caps) want the public to boycott Zippo's Circus during its week-long stint at Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Horses, dogs and birds feature in acts, making Zippo's one of seven circuses in the UK to still use animals, according to a society spokesman.

A spokesman from Zippo's Circus said he did not wish to comment.

Caps claims that life on the road, confinement and performances cause the creatures physical and mental problems.

Paul Thomas, campaigns assistant for the society, said: "In the 21st Century animals should not still be made to perform tricks for entertainment.

"There are so many excellent all-human circuses that the public can easily see high-class family entertainment that does not rely on the outdated practice of using animals."