Animal circus anachronistic
Well done to Leicester City Council for being one of approximately 200 councils in Britain which has banned circuses with animals from using council land.
This decision reflects the opinion of 80 per cent of the population who consider that using animals in circuses is cruel and outdated.
The Great British Circus, performing in Glen Parva is one of only a few in Britain which still uses animals.
Although circus owners boast of a love for animals and concern for their welfare circus life is inappropriate for animals. A life of transportation, confinement in temporary housing, forced training and performances; loud noises and crowds of people are a far cry from the way animals would naturally live and behave.
Performing demeaning tricks in the name of entertainment does nothing to foster respect for animals. Circuses can provide excellent entertainment using only human skills.
The Great British Circus is an anachronism.
Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.
3 Comments
by Sarah, South
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 6:05PM
“In what way is a circus performance any different from, say, a dressage competition for horses? And no, the circus animals aren't "wild" if they and their parents and grandparents have been born in captivity. Elephants and camels have been domesticated for thousands of years, and horses live wild even today.”
by Graham, Whetstone
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 11:10AM
“"The Great British Circus is an anachronism"
Exactly, Elizabeth - which is why audiences go to them. The artificial digital world of film and TV CGI, internet, and XBoxes can only reach so far, and then people hanker for real experiences so go to concerts, theatre, sports matches and the circus, amongst other things. It's not my cup of tea, but I don't begrudge others enjoying it. Unlike some...”
by PB, Leicester
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 10:41AM
“Elizabeth's first letter of the week. Should be another one by Friday.”