Controversial circus that still uses animals set to arrive back in Blackpool

Visitors will see a “fantastic brand new show,” ringmistress Petra Jackson said, though its continued inclusion of animals – with horses, llamas, camels and ponies all on the bill – is likely to attract further controversy.

Last year, animal rights campaigners were accused of subjecting families to abuse after activists called for a boycott – though Petra strongly defended the treatment of her ‘pets’.

She said comments accusing the animals of being improperly cared for were “very upsetting”, and added: “Our animals are not mistreated but constantly we are having to justify ourselves.”

The government revealed plans to ban wild animals in circuses in 2012, but has never followed through.

Circus Mondao is one of the last in the UK to still use live animals, though gone are the days of bears walking on tightropes.