Wild animals should be roaming free

The picture on Thursday’s front page of The Times is truly heartbreaking. That poor bear clinging to the bars of his cage is shocking.

I am truly surprised that yet again the authorities have given permission to a circus which showcases wild animals – which should be roaming free in their natural habitat – performing tricks to our audiences. It was heartening to see the protest march made up, I regret to say, of mostly young people. Where are the older generations?

I know that older people used to have different ideas about circuses and other such shows. I myself used to love watching animals in circuses when I was a child.

However, secret footage showing cruelty to animals by train-ers made me change my mind.

Although these creatures are possibly well-fed and have vet care, the truth remains that they are transported and kept in small cages and made to perform acts alien to their nature.

The ministers concerned should give permission for circuses in which human artistes show their talent, such as on trapeze, juggling and so on.