ANIMAL rights' protesters say they will stage daily protests at Zippo's Circus, which was opening yesterday in Endcliffe Park.
Sheffield Animal Friends, which has picketed local restaurants for selling foie gras, claims in an email to supporters the circus has "a wide number of domestic and exotic animals in their performances".
John Whittle of SAF said: "It will be a fri
endly and completely legal and peaceful demonstration. It is not acceptable in this day and age to have animals in circuses."
Martin Burton, who owns the circus, said there are four horses, three ponies, a dozen budgies and a Jack Russell terrier.
He said he had brought in an animal expert to advise on housing the horses and the circus had been held up as a model to others.
Mr Burton said: "As a result the animal rights people are desperate for us to make a mistake. I'll call the police if they (the protesters) start abusing my customers."
The circus runs until Tuesday.
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