Brit-born lion tamer slammed for 'cruel' and controversial big cat circus act

Nada travelled to Germany to take a closer look at why Martin Jr Lacey's use of wild animals has attracted considerable criticism and protests - with experts warning of a variety of welfare concerns

He has described them as the perfect killing machines but that doesn’t stop controversial tamer Martin Jr Lacey from forcing his pride of big cats to perform at Europe’s biggest circus.

Three tigers and 22 lions, dubbed as “breathtaking predators”, are currently part of his boisterous act at Circus Krone in Germany - the last country in the EU not to have introduced plans for a full or partial ban on the use of wild animals.

But experts warn that while the artists perform voluntarily, the animals are trained to do so - by fear.

For them, life in the circus also means years of suffering, say campaigners - constantly moving from place to place in exhausting journeys. When they are not performing for entertainment, they endure a miserable life in a cage.

His use of wild animals, which has also included a hippo, elephants and zebras, has attracted considerable criticism and protests. Just a few weeks ago protesters were kicked out of the 60 Euro show which also uses camels, horses and dogs.