Circus promoters have described the animal circus ban as a major setback as, for the first time, they struggle to replace animals with attractions having a similar pulling power.

Malta earned the praise of animal lovers from around the world when, in October, the island became the 28th nation to ban all animal circus acts, joining countries such as Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece and Cyprus.

Circus promoter Johann Said believes that the ban on animals has been a major blow, despite his Circus on Ice selling so well that the show has been extended for a further week.

Around 40 to 50 per cent of the people who came to watch asked me to stand up for animal circuses

“My family has been bringing circuses over since 1965 and this has been the first time I brought one over without any animals,” he told Times of Malta.

“The Circus on Ice has had a very good turnout – so much so that we’re extending the show until Sunday. But I believe it only proved to be so popular because it was something new to many Maltese.

“I don’t think getting another circus on ice next year would work as you would have lost the element of innovation.”

He expressed disappointment that, despite the EU’s supposed intention to guarantee fair competition and democracy, in his view these principles did not apply to animal circuses.

“Even if the decision to ban animal circuses was the right one to make, then all animal circuses everywhere should have been banned. It is not a level playing field because other countries still allow them to operate. In fact, later this year I’m going to Sicily and organise an animal circus there.

“Why is it illegal here in Malta but legal a mere 60 miles away?” He believes that the ban is an “injustice” to Maltese families because they no longer have a choice.

“Around 40 to 50 per cent of the people who came to watch the performances asked me to stand up for animal circuses.

“If the authorities decided to ban animal circuses, then the ban should be upheld across the board. Even the dogs and horses paraded by the police should be banned because the animals are being used.”

Circus promoter Ruth Frau, who brought over the Magic Circus Festival, said that from a business point of view, bringing over circuses without animals could prove risky.

She described ticket sales as “neither good nor bad”, adding that the circus still had one week to go.

“One’s mind would be more at ease if animals were allowed. That being said, I believe that it is the sheer talent of the artists which makes the circus and not the animals.

“In fact, after the spectacle ended, everyone praised the illusionist and the capabilities of the performers.”