ANIMAL rights activists are calling for a boycott of a travelling circus which, they say, generates more complaints than any other.

The Bobby Roberts Circus is at Rossall for ten nights until June 1, with a show which features dogs, ponies and an elephant.

A demonstration, organised by the Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS) and Blackpool Animal Rights Coalition (BARC), took place outside the circus on Bank Holiday Monday.

A society spokesman said: "By their very nature, circuses cannot provide the space and necessary requirements to guarantee the well-being of animals.

"CAPS believe that animals suffer in a circus environment and we ask the public to boycott animal circuses. We also ask shopkeepers not to display posters for circuses with animal acts.

"Animal circuses have become increasingly unpopular due to increasing awareness and concern at the way in which animals are transported from site to site, kept in temporary accommodation, and forced to perform in the circus ring.

"We are not opposed to all circuses, just those with animal acts. The human performers can choose to be there, the animals have no choice."

The elephant, known as Annie, is a focus for particular criticism. Circus opponents say that elephants are social and intelligent animals who can suffer from physical and mental problems in captivity, and claim to have the support of leading elephant experts in condemning the use of the animals in circuses.

The circus strenuously denies that the animals suffer any mistreatment and says procedures are in place to prevent any harm to the animals.