ANIMAL Liberation NSW staged a protest on the opening night of the Stardust Circus at Cahill Park last Friday.
Animal Liberation spokesman Phillip Hall said the return of the circus marked 12 months since one of Lennon Bros Circus's monkeys escaped, risking serious injury or death.
"The Lennon Bros and Stardust Circus, both operated by the Lennon family, are the last Australian circuses still touring with exotic animals, displaying lions and monkeys alongside dogs, horses, ponies and camels," he said.
"Circus life for an animal is a sad one, denying them their natural instincts to roam great areas and form bonds in large social groups."
They are calling for Rockdale Council to ban performing animal circuses on public land.
On its website Stardust Circus said: "All of our animals receive regular veterinary care and all of our trainers are also highly trained in animal care and welfare. We do not just consider our animals as performers, but more so a core part of our family and identity as a circus.
"All our animals receive the utmost in veterinary care, love and treatment from every member of our circus show."
A Rockdale Council spokesman said performing animals in circuses was a legal activity under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986, and the Exhibited Animals Protection Regulation 2010.
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