Video: stabbed and abused: horrific life of UK's last circus elephant

Undercover video footage has revealed shocking abuse of the UK's last circus elephant, prompting animal rights campaigners to call for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE VIDEO

Anne the Asian elephant was filmed enduring horrific abuse at the hands of her so-called carers at Bobby Roberts Super Circus in Polebrook, Northamptonshire, while being chained up in a dingy barn during the circus's winter break.

The footage shows her being struck with a metal pitchfork, kicked in the face and body. She was hit a total 48 times during the video.

Animal Defenders International (ADI), which released the footage, has previously campaigned for Anne to be released from the circus.

They shot the covert video over three weeks earlier this year amid concerns for the 57-year-old animal's wellbeing.

The video comes at a time when the government is considering banning the use of wild animals in circuses altogether.

Jan Creamer, ADI's Chief Executive, said: 'Annie's tragic story symbolises the plight of circus animals and is a shocking indictment of the circus industry at a key time.

'We have presented successive governments with extensive evidence from our undercover investigations over the years into UK circuses that proves conclusively that routine violence and deprivation is endemic within the industry.

'To Lord Henley, the Minister responsible, we say enough is enough. It is now time for him to act decisively to stop this appalling suffering. It is time for him to enact a total ban once and for all.'

Moira Roberts, 72, who runs the circus with her 68-year-old husband Bobby and their family, said they reacted with 'shock and horror' when they saw the footage of Anne being abused.

She said they knew nothing of what was going on, adding that a Romanian groom had been employed to care for the animal. He has since left the circus.

She said: 'We are shocked and disgusted. When Bobby saw it (the footage) it just wouldn't sink in. So much so that having seen the footage he couldn't watch, he couldn't face it.

'She is part of the family. She hasn't performed for ten years and we certainly don't earn any money from her.'

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