Relatives of injured animal trainer arrive in Ireland

Relatives of a Spanish man who was crushed by an elephant at a circus in Cork at the weekend have arrived in Ireland to be by his bedside.

Justino Munios, 42, is being treated at Cork University Hospital.

Courtney Brothers Circus has launched an internal investigation into the incident.

The circus owners have been urged to hand over its five elephants to a sanctuary.

The National Animal Rights Association said that the elephants are elderly, stressed and should be sent to a rehabilitation centre.

The group is also appealing for legislation to prevent the use of animals in circus acts.