Fish swallowing banned

NOT ON: Sydney authorities have banned a circus from performing an act involving live fish after an animal rights group complained it was cruel.

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Sydney authorities have banned a circus from performing an act involving live fish after an animal rights group complained it was cruel.

The Great Moscow Circus, touring in Miranda in Sydney's south, includes a performance which sees a woman pick a live fish from a bowl, swallow it, then regurgitate the fish while it is still alive.

A NSW Department of Industry spokeswoman confirmed this morning they had banned the circus from performing the act.

Animals Australia executive director Glenys Oogjes said the performance reportedly left many in the crowd upset.

"We were gob smacked when we heard about it. One of our members was there and they just thought it was a ghoulish act," she said.

"For the female performer to put (the fish) in her mouth, only to turn regurgitate it back into the bowl ... is just ghoulish.

"Science shows that fish can feel, they can suffer, the can feel pain and fear and to do that sends out a terrible message, especially to the kids there, who by all reports turned up their nose when they saw it."

Ms Oogjes said they made a complaint to the State Government, who she claims then acted swiftly.

She claims the circus also broke state law which bans circuses from exhibiting fish.

It is understood the circus has since agreed to not perform the act.

Attempts to contact the circus have not been successful.

- © Fairfax NZ News