Circus animals

So the circus is coming to town, or in reality it never left in the first place. How is it that so many educated people who are opposed to the cruelty inflicted on these wild animals, who are expected to perform to the public, seem to be oblivious to the cruelty involved in training these animals? Should we be allowing the Italians or anybody else to stage this barbaric spectacle yet again in Malta? Who is responsible for this show of pathetic entertainment being offered over the Christmas period despite the campaigns of 20 NGOs and the opposition of animal lovers on this island?

I find it degrading to a noble and intelligent animal like an elephant to be made to stand on one foot. Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals, the average lifespan in the wild is 25 years. Leave them in Africa, to roam the open grasslands in small groups. Training methods which are never shown to the public are notoriously cruel. They usually inflict pain and discomfort to coerce an animal to behave in a manner not associated with its normal existence. To quote from Desmond Morris, anthropologist, animal behaviorist and author:

"The idea that it is funny to see wild animals coerced into acting like clumsy humans, or thrilling to see powerful beasts reduced to cringing cowards by a whip-cracking trainer is primitive and mediaeval. It stems from the old idea that we are superior to other species and have the right to hold domain over them".

What is more alarming is the sponsorship of major companies linked with this event. My children will not be enticed by a "free" soft drink in order to buy a ticket.

They are well aware of the abject cruelty which these beasts have endured. One only has to watch Animal Planet or The Discovery Channels to appreciate an animal's natural behaviour. Failing that, there are many excellent books and publications available for those who wish to gain enlightenment.

Circuses are all well and good when it comes to clowns, acrobats, contortionists and jugglers. When creatures bred in captivity - not only endangered species but magnificent animals are - exploited, it's a totally different picture. In today's world, children should be taught respect for animals. There is no excuse.

Who needs the animals to perform anyway, when we are surrounded by what is tantamount to a zoo?