Activists protest against Polish circus

''Animals performing in the circus arena such as white lions, horses, camels or goats suffer during training,'' an activist from Basta! The Szczecin Initiative for Animals told Polish Radio, with the Zalewski circus setting up shop in the city over the weekend.

''The animals need natural conditions and plenty of space,'' he added.

''Here they are kept in cages or chains. During training, violence is used to teach them tricks.''

However, Kamil Zalewski, son of the circus owner, rejected the accusations.

''The animals have it very good in our circus, and each one has its own nurse,'' he said.

''We passed the checks carried out by the State Veterinary Inspection,'' he added.

In countries including the Netherlands, the UK and Croatia, the use of animals has been banned in circuses. Polish animal rights activists are petitioning for such a ban. (nh)