I WAS pleased to see your article on cruelty to animals in circuses (Circus sparks animal protest, The Press, July 27).

Why does City of York Council think it is OK to force horses and dogs to perform? Don't they deserve the same protection as other animals? Isn't it time that we, as a civilised society, treated all animals with kindness and respect?

There are plenty of non-animal acts for circuses to carry on their tradition in a kinder, more humane way, acceptable to modern-day standards.

I. Foster, Pasture House, Coxwold, York.