A DECISION to allow an animal circus perform in Deer Park has provoked fury from residents and local animal activists.

Billed as Australia’s largest animal circus, Stardust Circus has set up camp in Station Rd, Deer Park, and will perform four shows each week until 22 November.

Although promoted as family fun, the arrival has unleashed a public outcry, promoting calls for the council to eject the performers from Brimbank’s borders.

Rana Hales from the Caroline Springs Animal Welfare Network said she was disgusted that the circus had been allowed to perform in Brimbank.

Ms Hales said her organisation had grave concerns about the welfare of animals performing in the circus, and called on the community to boycott the shows.

Ms Hales said the boast of being the country’s largest animal circus was nothing to be proud of.

“There is nothing humane about exploiting animals and forcing them to perform for human entertainment,” Ms Hales said.

Star received an influx of letters to the editors from western suburbs residents who echoed her concerns.

“There is nothing entertaining or cute about young animals being stolen from the wild, sold on the black markets and forced to perform in circuses,” said Caroline Springs resident Jasmin Phillips.

“They should not be exploited and forced to perform for our entertainment,” she said.

But circus owner Jan Lennon hit back at the claims, insisting her circus had nothing to hide.

Ms Lennon said she often had to fight against misconceptions among animal activists who campaigned against the circus in almost every town.

“Our animals are not mistreated.

“They have the best of everything,” Ms Lennon said.

“They are only locked up when we travel and at night.

“We come under a very strict code of practice and are subject to random inspections,” Ms Lennon said.

She challenged anyone with concerns to inspect the animals themselves.

“They are welcome to come down at any time and see the animals for themselves,” she said.