A travelling circus that is about to reach Maitland has defended its animal care after several promotional signs on display in the city were defaced.
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Webers Circus office manager Julie Petersen said she was shocked and felt sick after seeing that the company's posters had been vandalised with messages such as "no to animal cruelty" and "boycott this s---". The letters "A.R.M." had also been scrawled on the signs.
Ms Peterson said the circus does not use exotic animals, but has gypsy cob horses, miniature ponies and dogs - some of which are rescued from pounds.
She said the performers used "positive reinforcement" such as treats to encourage the animals to perform tricks.
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"They don't do what they don't want to do - they're not forced to do anything," she said.
Ms Petersen says the animals undergo regular health checks, have birth certificates and are treated with the "utmost care". She said the circus had never had any action taken against it for its treatment of animals.
"I think these people need to do their homework before defacing and accusing with lies," Ms Petersen said.
"We're not even in Maitland yet - how would they even know? They're just extremists.
"These people should come and see us and see how we actually treat these animals.
"We love our animals so much. They're like family."
A protest was held at Sydney show last year where groups objected to the use of animals for entertainment.
The circus is scheduled to start in Maitland this Thursday, but Ms Petersen said seeing the graffiti did not make her feel welcome in the city.
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She also said the damaged signs were expensive to replace.
"It's really disheartening," Ms Petersen said.
"They've defiled our property and these signs are out in public.
"We're a small business and it costs us thousands to fight back at this."
The country and western themed circus will be in Maitland until Sunday, March 22.