SIR: By now, many of your readers will have seen the horrifying film footage and read the reports about the abuse of animals in the circus, uncovered during the 18-month study by the Animal Defenders.

Concerned members of the public have jammed our switchboard, many in tears of sadness and anger at the appalling abuse we exposed - elephants beaten repeatedly with iron bars and shovels, camels beaten with broom handles and sticks, a baby chimp kicked and whipped, plus the mental torture of extreme confinement for lions, tigers, horses and elephants. Animal Defenders would like to thank all those who contacted us pledging their support.

We have already screened our shocking film to Members of Parliament where it received cross party support - we hope to secure their backing to bring about legislative change, extending the Zoo Licensing Act to protect circus animals.

Therefore, we would like to appeal directly to your readers to join our lobbying campaign to stop animal suffering in circuses. There is much they can do to help.

As a first step - readers can contact us to register their support, by calling 0181 846 9777 or by writing to 261 Goldhawk Road, London W12 9PE. They can collect signatures for our petition for Parliament, show our video to friends and colleagues, get their company or local shop to display campaign posters, send a donation or write letters to their MP calling for action.

For the sake of circus animals, please act now, please join our campaign.

Jan Creamer, Director, Animal Defenders (Campaigns) Ltd.

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