We need to move on from this outdated exploitation
Lynda Johnson should not make assumptions (Mailbox, May 4) – I was taken to see traditional animal circuses as a child.
As an adult I am more aware of animal welfare and I do not consider watching sentient creatures performing tricks in circuses is an appropriate form of entertainment.
In the past, animals were considered to be unable to feel pain and the idea that they could experience emotions would have been outrageous. However, there has been much research into animal behaviour in recent years proving that they exhibit all kinds of feelings.
It is time to move on from this exploitation.
Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.
2 Comments
by John Stitch, Leicester Town
Monday, May 11 2009, 12:35PM
“Whether animals experience the same levels of emotion as humans or not - it's the people that still pay to take their children along to see this kind of thing that worries me.
Some of those children will no doubt turn out to be the illegal animal killers and baiters of the future, surely, especially if their parents led them with the 'example' that to do so is OK ?”
by Katie, Leicester
Monday, May 11 2009, 9:38AM
“Well Said - I completely agree.
I read an article a while back about a baby elephant that was killed by a train, the mother would not move from the side of the track and waited days for the next train, and when it came along she derailed it killing several passengers in the process.
Animals most certainly do have emotions, and can easily experience depression just like we can.”