I am the founder and director of Zippos Circus.

Ms Miller and Donald both accuse my circus of "exploitation", and say it is "backward and cruel".

This is their un-informed opinion as they have not visited my circus.

If they had they would know there are no performing dogs at my circus in Forfar.

More importantly they claim "there is no doubt" that moving from town to town causes our beloved animals "strain".

This is wholly untrue and a recent DEFRA scientific investigation into the use of animals could find no reason to ban the use of animals in circuses.

All across the country horses are moved from race track to race track, and gymkhana to gymkhana with no complaint. Our horses are no different.

Those who have visited my circus (including SSPCA Chief Michael Flynn) all agree.

The SSPCA said recently: "I have no concern over the welfare or care of any of the horses, ponies or budgerigars on site and I am happy with the transport available for the animals."

Please do not be swayed by animal rights extremists, who themselves travel from town to town trying to impose their opinions on others, while tearing down my circus posters and causing criminal damage in an effort to impose their views on circus going animal lovers, and families, everywhere.

Yours etc.,
Martin Burton,
Founder and director,
Zippos Circus.