"I choose to participate in sport, but the animals used in circuses aren't given any choice at all, Animals in circuses suffer a lifetime of abuse – all for a few cheap tricks." – Wayne Parnell.

Why is Wayne so passionately opposing circuses that use animals? Animals in circuses are subjected to extreme confinement, physical abuse and psychological torment. Whips and other tools – including ankuses, which are heavy, steel-tipped rods – are often used to inflict pain on animals and beat them into submission. Animals perform confusing, unnatural tricks – such as riding bicycles, standing on their heads or jumping through rings of fire – not because they want to, but out of fear of violent punishment.

In India, although the government has banned the use of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions in performances, other animals continue to be used.

Let's take Wayne's advice and watch cricket instead of using animals for entertainment!