The RSPCA is threatening legal action against a circus which is displaying hoardings alleging that the charity caused suffering to animals.

The hoardings carrying the message "RSPCA Gave the Police Three Dogs to Kick and Torture" have appeared outside Circus King shows in Otley, Calverley, Scarborough and Barnsley.

But Alan Wolinski, RSPCA regional manager for the north east, said: "These allegations are outrageous and utterly defamatory and the latest in efforts from this circus to undermine our campaign against performing animals in circuses.

"It is disgraceful that anyone should suggest that the RSPCA would be responsible for causing suffering when our fundamental aims and objectives are to prevent cruelty and promote kindness.

"The Society is demanding the removal of this highly offensive material and will consider legal action."

Despite a verbal caution from Barnsley Police under the Public Order Act, the circus is continuing to display the signs outside its winter quarters near Honington, Grantham.

But Circus King proprietor Jeffrey Mackie was unrepentant about his actions saying: "The police and the RSPCA don't like the truth.

"They can do what they like, it's a free world and I will do what I like.

"They have not asked me to take them down. If they bring the dogs back to life then I will do."

His allegations refer to an Essex policeman's maltreatment of a police dog. An RSPCA spokesman confirmed it used to re-home dogs with Essex Police before the incident but it had now suspended the arrangement.

The RSPCA is also angry that Circus King publicity material has alleged that it endorses the circus's operations following routine visits by its inspectors.

In a judgement, the Advertising Standards Author-ity said that such statements imply endorsement where none exists and circuses were forced to remove such false statements from publicity material.

The RSPCA is opposed to the use of animals in circuses on the grounds that extensive journeys, inappropriate living conditions, and the prevention of natural behaviour can cause unnecessary suffering.

It has continuously lobbied local authorities to ban performances by circuses with animals.