I FIND it appalling that in the year 2010, there are still circuses that exploit animals for entertainment, and I am even more appalled that there are still people willing to pay to observe the exploitation.

The "Great" British Circus is in town at the Japanese Water Garden Centre, in Toton, despite the fact that some 90% of the public believe that animal circuses are cruel, out of date and repugnant.

The Japanese Water Gardens should follow the example of Nottingham City Council, which has banned all animal circuses from council-owned land.

We are a civilised country and the days of keeping animals in small and cramped cages, and laughing while they are forced to perform ridiculous tricks, should be long gone.

The Great British Circus keeps tigers, lions, zebra, camels, reindeer and goodness knows what else.

Last year the show included three elephants, but they have not appeared again after it was reported three circus staff beat one elephant with sticks.

I urge everyone to boycott this circus and not give money to what I believe is a revolting example of animal abuse.

Well done to the small group of animal lovers, who stand outside the circus attempting to explain to the people going in about what goes on behind the scenes.

I urge anyone who feels strongly to join these committed people at 6.30pm on weekdays, 4pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

R JOSEPH Gonalston Lane Epperstone