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Bobby Roberts demo - Towyn, North Wales

N Wales | 01.09.2008 09:02 | Animal Liberation

Demonstration at Bobby Roberts' animal circus met with threats of violence... again...



Another demonstration was held at Bobby Roberts' animal circus where it is stationed at Tir Prince, Towyn. This circus uses animals such as camels, horses and dogs in its act, as well as dragging a 55 year old arthritic elephant named Anne round in a trailer so that they can charge the public for photos. She is in great pain, but they will not allow her to retire to a sanctuary because she can still make them money.

We were able to see Anne alone in area enclosed by electrified fencing, with no food, water, shelter or stimulation. She was pacing back and forth in the way typified by stressed animals in captivity.

We had been met with threats of violence from the owners of Tir Prince and their staff at previous demos. They rent the land from Conwy Council, and use it for a fairground and arcades. They also allow Bobby Roberts to stay there for a month every year with his circus.

Local children living at the caravan park had been very supportive at previous demonstrations, but this time they were told by arcade staff that if they were anywhere near us, their families would be made homeless and they would receive a lifetime ban from everywhere around. These people sink lower every time. One of the Williams brothers (owners of Tir Prince) gave protestors and children the finger, before setting up a camera in the arcade to record us. Presumably he has nothing better to do than watch videos of women and children being harassed and threatened.

Next, a bunch of toothless yobs caling themselves "security" turned up (we understand these to be local bouncers and circus workers) and began threatening us - they were going to "f***ing deck/drop/get/smack" us and "beat the living sh*t out of (us)". This was even said to a child doing nothing more than holding a placard. Next, a circus worker gave eggs to them to throw at us. Luckily for us (not so lucky for traffic) these all landed on the main road. The threats of violence were escalating and the men were getting wound up that nobody was interested in a brawl - it was clear that they wanted someone to get hurt - so the police were called.

At this point, many dispersed, including local councillor Adam Williams, who clearly now wanted to distance himself from the threats of violence against peaceful protestors which moments before he had been laughing at. He had even shaken the hands of those who screamed the loudest, most obscene threats.

Police arrived quickly and told the remaining thugs to back off, and that we were breaking no laws. Two mounted police and cars were stationed to stay for the rest of the protest and ensure our safety - we would like to thank them for this. The protest carried on peacefully with good support from the public.

A car load of these men attempted to follow some protestors home. Fortunately, they aren't very bright so the protestors were able to lose them fairly easily, but it is worrying to think what these creeps' intentions were upon learning where they lived.

Everywhere this circus goes, there is trouble, threats and often violence, but we will not lose sight of the fact that this circus is treating animals terribly, and that many of the thugs who make these threats are circus workers, directly responsible for taking care of Anne and other animals. Wherever this circus goes, there will be protestors and public disgust. We aren't going to leave them alone because they threaten us - it makes us more determined to put an end to these acts and let the public know about the cruelty of animal circuses.

Incidentally, even with the half price and free tickets handed out, there were only a handful of customers at each performance. We were told many times by members of the public that after visiting once, they will never return due to the condition of the animals and their housing. People don't want to see this sad spectacle, and Bobby Roberts' circus' days are numbered.

N Wales

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