I WAS disappointed to read Geoff Stanley's letter 'Circus protest was pointless' (Herald, May 27).

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the protesters who demonstrated outside Jolly's Circus last month.

It is a shame that Mr Stanley saw the demonstration as 'a bunch of misfits … making a great deal of fuss over nothing'.

In fact, the compassionate protesters had joined together to raise awareness of animals in circuses.

A recent Government survey found that over 94 per cent of people wanted a ban on wild animal acts in circuses.

Animals don't belong in a circus.

The constant transportation from town to town for 10 months each year and confinement for long periods means that a travelling circus can never meet all of the needs of these animals, whether lion or horse.

Animals are trained away from the scrutiny of the public, politicians or welfare groups.

Undercover investigations at circuses in the UK have revealed animals beaten with sticks, bars and whips.

There is no educational value in seeing these once proud animals reduced to performing tricks in an unnatural environment. Circuses teach a lack of respect for animals.

I encourage people to avoid animal circuses and instead visit one of the many excellent shows that rely entirely on human skills.

Fiona Galbraith, Campaigns Assistant, The Captive Animals' Protection Society, www.captiveanimals.org.