Lennon Bros Circus and Stardust, who recently toured Bathurst earlier this year, are the only circus in the country that still use animals in its performances.

Central West AJP regional convener Queenie Green has questioned the need for animals at the circus and the the care they receive. 

“The constant travelling, unnatural confinement, and the inability to meet the social, behavioural and physiological needs are inherent welfare issues constantly being questioned in circuses,” she said.

“For many reasons, a travelling circus cannot recreate the natural environment or allow natural behaviours of exotic animals.

“‘Born in captivity’ does not mean domesticated. As much as circuses try to emulate the natural environment as per legal requirements, it is inevitable that they fall short of this mammoth task.”

Currently, three councils in NSW – Hawkesbury, Hornsby and Parramatta – have banned animal-using circuses from using council lands for shows.

While Bathurst’s shows will be at private land, at Paddy’s Hotel, Lennon Bros Circus will be at the Orange City Council-owned land, at the Orange Showgrounds, from September 19 to 30.

Ms Green is asking all regional councils to adopt the same standpoint, something that regional AJP leaders will be addressing with Bathurst, Lithgow and Orange councils as a matter of priority.

“As Cirque du Soleil, Circus Oz and many other popular circuses have shown, the success and economic viability of the circus does not require the use of any animal,” she said.

“Eliminating animal exploitation in circuses simply means an increase in human performers, not an end to the tradition of circuses.”

Lennon Bros Circus manager Cheryl Lennon does not share Ms Green’s opinion.

“We’re very passionate [about our animals]. They’re a part of our family,” Ms Lennon said.

“Good luck [to circus protesters], keep trying. We’re not going to give up without a fight.

“Each to their own, they have the right to their opinion but do get your facts right.”

Ms Lennon said the circus adheres to strict RSPCA standards.

“We know what we do is right,” she said.

“Our animals come first before anyone else.

“We do get checked by the RSPCA regularly and are sister-circus Stardust, which came through Bathurst last year, were given a A-rating for animal care by Exhibited Animals NSW.”

Lennon Bros Circus has three lions, ponies, camels and donkeys.