A GREEN MP is demanding a ban on “cruel” and “degrading” circuses which use animals in performances.

Brighton Pavilion representative Caroline Lucas said circuses like Zippos, which feature animal performances, are inflicting “unnecessary suffering”.

She is now calling for Brighton and Hove City Council to stop granting Zippos permission to use its land.

Ms Lucas said: “The council must urgently commit to refusing licences to circuses which continue to use performing animals to assure people they can enjoy a night out without animals being exploited.

“The Green Party have long argued that animal acts in circuses are cruel and degrading, and should not be allowed to continue.”

The use of domesticated animals in Brighton circuses remains legal after a 2017 proposal to ban such activities was voted down at by the council, in large part due to legal precedent.

Zippos Circus, which has been the centre of animal rights protests in recent years, uses horses and budgies in its shows.

When in Brighton, the travelling circus uses council-owned land on Hove Lawns.

Ms Lucas said: “The RSPCA is clear that travelling circus life inflicts unnecessary suffering on animals, so it’s no surprise the overwhelming majority of people oppose their use in circuses.

“The fact that Zippos don’t feature animals in their advertising reflects that.”

The Brighton Pavilion MP has written to the council to urge them to stop giving permission for Zippos, or any other circus using animals, from council owned land.

In the letter she cites animal protection and public opinion as reasons for a ban.

The call comes after a petition demanding a ban on the circus was signed by more than 5,000 people.

Those signing say any show involving animals is “cruel” and “unnecessary” and believe the circuses should be “committed to the history books”.

A spokeswoman for Zippos Circus said: “This petition has been put together by a vocal minority of animal rights protesters, who do not approve of ownership of animals, for food, clothing and assistance; including police horses, guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf.

“Zippos Circus understands and supports all efforts to monitor and regulate the treatment of animals. We work closely with Defra, and Local Authorities, including Brighton, as well as vets and animal welfare organisations to ensure that our commitment to a high standard of animal care is upheld. In addition, Zippos Circus also supports animal charities, with a percentage of each ticket sold being given to animal welfare charities.”