Animal rights protesters target circus

FAMILIES heading to the Hudsons Circus were met with up to 40 Animal Liberation QLD protesters outside the big top.

Animal Liberation Qld protesters at Hudsons Circus at Springfield on Friday. Picture: Contributed

FAMILIES heading to the Hudsons Circus at Springfield on Friday were met with up to 40 Animal Liberation QLD protesters outside the big top.

Animal Liberation state director Amanda Holly said the protest was to raise awareness of the unnecessary exploitation of animals used throughout Hudsons circus' performances.

"As circus patrons were arriving for the evening show, our protesters held up signs and offered information about the plight of circus animals, to encourage the public to reflect on whether attending animal circuses is a compassionate or necessary form of entertainment in 2018," Ms Holly said.

"In 2009, the University of Bristol's definitive global study of animal welfare in circuses found that the natural needs of wild animals cannot be met through the living conditions and husbandry offered by circuses."

"The experts delivered their verdict years ago on animal circuses, yet unfortunate Australian circus animals are the ones still serving life sentences. We're hopeful that once more people know the facts they will stop supporting circuses like Hudsons Circus, who continue to exploit animals. There are plenty of fantastic circuses without animal performers."