Thousands will attend Shrine Circus shows this weekend, helping to raise almost $100,000 for children's hospitals, but animal activists say every ticket to the circus supports animal cruelty.
Some shows feature animals such as dogs, Arabian horses and elephants.
"Animals have the capacity to suffer, so why should they have to suffer for us? They feel pain. They're not meant to be in a circus, they're not meant to be under a tent," said animal rights activist Michelle Thorn.
The company hired to provide the entertainment insists the animals are well taken care of.
"Better medical care, proper diet, regular exercise, proper mental stimulation. They live twice as long in captivity as they do in the wild. It's definitely better for them," said Larry Solheim of TZ Productions.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 people attend every show including many children.
"I am surprised that people think it's okay and that they don't realize what's happening to these animals," said Thorn.
The Ottawa Humane Society says the animals have adequate food, water and shelter. Yet it released a statement calling for an end to exotic animal entertainment in Ottawa.
The protestors say that's all it can do since Canada's anti-cruelty laws don't do enough to protect performing animals.
Circus profits go to Shriner activities including 22 children's hospitals. The shows continue all weekend long in the St. Laurent Shopping Centre Parking Lot.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Jonathan Rotondo
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