A petition was started to call on councillors to follow other councils across Sydney to ban circuses that have exotic animals in their performances.

“Parramatta, Hornsby and Hawkesbury councils have already banned circuses with exotic animals from using council land,” Animal Justice Party group leader and Hills resident Catherine Ward said.

“Many people we speak to can’t believe that lions and monkeys are still used in the circus and that this is happening at Castle Hill Showground every year.”

More than 250 residents have already signed the petition to combat “cruel and outdated forms of circus,” Ms Ward said.

“The lives the animals live is not right,” she said. “People do not want to see this kind of cruelty.”

She said the Animal Justice Party had an MP in the NSW Parliament and was preparing a Bill for a statewide plan but local government support was still needed to make the Bill effective, hence calling on the council’s support.

Party member Sarah Coogans said people were more aware of animal welfare issues and called for circuses with animals to be a “thing of the past”.

“The Hills Shire is a modern, progressive area of Sydney and the council needs to recognise that times have changed and ban animal circuses,” she said.

A council spokeswoman said the NSW Primary Industries Department enforced licensing and compliance for circus operators.

“The Hills Shire Council has no policy to restrict circuses from hiring council venues at this point in time,” she said.

PART OF THE FAMILY

A BAN would stop organisations such Stardust — now performing at Liverpool — from visiting the Hills. The circus has performed at Castle Hill for decades.

The circus website has an animal welfare page outlining its safe practice compliance and love for animals.

“We love our animals. They are part of our family and integral to our identity as a circus,” the website reads.

“Their safety and comfort is of the utmost importance to us and we are dedicated to their care from birth, throughout their performing years and into retirement.

“We are occasionally inspected by the RSPCA and have always been found to comply and exceed all regulations.

“Each of our animals receives the very best in veterinary care and every member of our circus treats them with love and respect.”

To sign the petition contact: sydnorthwest@animaljustice party.org

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