Circus defends its use of animals
Circus bosses have today branded animal campaigners "stupid" for accusing them of cruelty.
Leaders of the Great British Circus, which rolls into Leicester next week, say they would not be allowed to carry on using wild animals if there was any sign the creatures were being neglected or harmed.
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Trainer Lars Holsher with the Great British Circus's elephants
However, protesters said it was cruel to force wild animals to perform and to keep them in cages while they are transported, and branded the use of animals in circuses as "archaic nonsense".
This year, the circus is taking performing elephants on tour for the first time in a decade, sparking further anger from charities such as the RSPCA and the Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS).
African elephant Sonja and Indian elephants Delhi and Vana Mana will be entertaining the public alongside white tiger Tiara, also new this year, as well as lions, tigers, camels, llamas, horses, ponies and reindeer.
Ringmaster Martin Lacey today defended his decision to use animals.
He said: "The elephants were inspected before they got here and once they were here as well.
"At the moment we're in Grimsby, and animal welfare and health and safety here are satisfied.
"Are the RSPCA and all these other charities suggesting that Government officials don't know what they're talking about?
"I wouldn't get involved in anything that's cruel to animals."
Mr Lacey said the circus, which started touring the country in February, had been very well received, with almost 10,000 people seeing the show in its opening fortnight.
He said: "We haven't had one complaint. That many people would not come and see us and allow us to be cruel to animals without complaining. These charities are making themselves look extremely stupid."
The circus starts in Leicester on Tuesday and runs until May 10.
Campaigners from Leicester Animal Concern have been asking businesses to remove posters advertising the circus from windows.
Spokesman Phil Hudson said: "Whether they've got elephants, tigers, llamas or whatever, it doesn't matter – they are all wild animals.
"They shouldn't be tied up like they are, and they have to be because you can't just let them wander off.
"The whole idea – that they think there's a value in showing animals off for entertainment – it's archaic nonsense."
National organisations are also urging people to boycott the event.
Craig Redmond, CAPS campaigns director, said: "As if it is not bad enough to subject lions, tigers, zebras, reindeer and other animals to the confinement and restrictions of a travelling circus, we now see elephants being imported.
"Numerous animal experts have condemned the use of animals in circuses and the world's leading elephant experts oppose the inclusion of elephants in the shows, too."
Dr Rob Atkinson, head of the RSPCA's wildlife department, said: "This is a body blow for animal welfare in this country. I am sure this will shock and sadden the public.
"Asking these majestic animals to behave in unnatural ways in the name of entertainment is a disgrace – a disgrace which is banned in several other European countries."
Will Travers, spokesman for the Born Free Foundation, said: "As predicted, Government paralysis over the issue of wild animals in circuses has opened the floodgates and will subject more wild animals to life on the road."
9 Comments
by Ryan Day, Grimsby
Monday, April 20 2009, 11:55AM
“The circus has just been here and was not packed out on the last week. I would like people think agin and not go to the circus.
Thank you
Ryan day”
by Angela, London UK
Thursday, April 16 2009, 1:38PM
“No animal belongs in a zoo or any other type of captivity. End of story.”
by Alan, Leics
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 2:56PM
“Do not the RSPCA keep their animals in cages, Do not people keep birds in cages, Do not owners teach their pet dogs to do tricks,
A little bit bit two faced me thinks.”
by paul, Houghton
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 1:52PM
“I was on safari last year and saw a herd of elephants playing water polo. So Gregg must be right they do enjoy it, they are obviously only doing what comes naturally to them in the wild, and i was under the impression that the elephants and other animals in a circus where beaten into submission to perform. Gregg i'm sure that if you where beaten enough you to would jump through hoops. I will not be going to see this circus.”
by matt, Leicester
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 1:11PM
“I wouldn't have thought that anything relating to elephants was 'common knowledge' as you put it Gregg. Don't know about you but I imagine that most people have little direct experience of elephants on a day to day basis.
Not saying that your statement is untrue, but unless you are some kind of an expert I won't take your word for it. Anyone out there able to confirm or dispute this?
You didn't mention the other animals though? Do they enjoy doing tricks or have they just been 'broken' by their masters into submission.”
by Gregg, Groby
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 12:40PM
“Great British Circus put on a fantastic show. My son got to ride a zebra through Oadby last time they were in the area. It is common knowledge that elephants enjoy performing, otherwise they wouldn't do it. They are big enough to look after themselves.”
by kate ramsey, leics
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 12:39PM
“I am deeply saddened to hear that there is a circus with wild animals coming to Leicester and urge people not to attend. I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by Paul Thomas. These are wild animals and should not be subjected to perform to make their owners money. Seeing animals out of their natural environment is of no benefit to anyone and I urge people to boycott it.”
by Victoria, Leicestershire
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 10:56AM
“As an animal welfare student I know what im on about. Animal circusses are cruel and they exploit their animals. Should an elephant be made to do tricks and then caged up to move onto the next show? What about the white tiger they say they have, surely it should be kept somewhere where it is cared for and become part of the breeding programme for the species.
All these circus people care about is making money and I know that alot of people share the same opinion.”
by Paul Thomas, Manchester
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 10:06AM
“Boycott animal circuses
Animals don¿t belong in a circus. The constant transportation from town to town for ten months each year and confinement for long periods means that a travelling circus can never meet all of the needs of these animals, whether elephants, lions, tigers or horses.
Claims by circuses that animals are stimulated by performances are false. In fact, the same tricks are generally repeated for years.
Animals are trained away from the scrutiny of the public, politicians or welfare groups. Undercover investigations at circuses in the UK have revealed animals beaten with sticks, bars and whips and sick animals hidden from the RSPCA.
There is no educational value in seeing these once proud animals reduced to performing tricks in an unnatural environment. Circuses teach a lack of respect for animals.
CAPS is not opposed to circuses, only to the use of animals, and we encourage people to avoid animal circuses and instead visit one of the many excellent shows that rely entirely on human skills.
We also ask people to write to their MP, asking them to encourage the government to ban the use of animals in circuses.
Circuses YES, Animals NO.
Paul Thomas
Campaigns assistant
Registered charity in England and Wales. Number 1124436”