Having heard ponies were to perform with Giffords Circus when it visits Brighton and Hove, I emailed Tim Nichols (Brighton and Hove City Council's environmental health officer), who is in charge of the city's animal welfare officers.

I asked if he could either not grant a licence or, if one had been already, have it revoked on the grounds that animals in circuses are often trained behind closed doors with methods involving beatings and other forms of abuse.

Tim informed me that circuses are exempt from this sort of licence and are legally considered pleasure fairs so he was unable to take action.

He would, however, send animal welfare officers to check and monitor the ponies.

However, the chances are if the ponies are being treated badly they never would be when council officials are around.

If adults make animals perform in circuses, it teaches children that animals are there to use rather than to respect them.

As a teacher myself, I am aware how the accumulation of messages about issues affects young minds.

What a shame our city has allowed this to happen.

-Alison Plaumer, chairwoman, Brighton Green Party animal rights group