Anti-circus protest roars into action

Behind the glitter and glitz of the circus lay a cruel world of untold animal suffering, said the Circus Animal Rights Coalition, as it protested yesterday against the Circo Aquatico which is due to perform in Malta.

The coalition expressed its disappointment that the circus, which boasted the use of penguins, crocodiles, and pelicans as attractions, would start performing next weekend.

The coalition has in recent years been working hard to raise awareness about the suffering of circus animals, and it feels its message is starting to get across after a successful campaign last year.

The coalition - made up of the Graffitti Movement, Island Sanctuary, Animal Rights Malta, Cetfree, Nature Trust, Ananda Marga, International Animal Rescue and World Animal Conscience - yesterday distributed leaflets at City Gate, Valletta, to drive home the message. Holding a big banner reading 'Animal Circus, Animal Cruelty', coalition members told people entering the city that animals used in circuses were unwilling participants in a show that jeopardised their health.

"Circuses force animals to perform tricks that run contrary to their innate instincts and behaviour, often resulting in substantial injuries during performance and training," it said.

To make matters worse, circus animals had to put up with long-distance travelling and their transportation was often in unsuitable and precarious conditions. The climate in a particular locality could also be unsuitable for their natural temperament, especially in the case of penguins, and this led to more suffering.

"Even if conditions were to be improved and humane methods of training adopted, the fact remains that keeping wild animals in captivity deprives them of much of what they value in life... and their spirit is broken," it said.

"Seeing animals in circuses does not provide a realistic educational experience because these animals are being forced to perform tricks and live in unnatural conditions." The coalition called on individuals and educational institutions to refrain from contributing to animal cruelty.

It also expressed its dismay that a local company, which boasted environmental-friendly policies, was sponsoring this circus.

"An end to animal circuses doesn't mean an end to fun... By supporting animal-free entertainment... we can move towards putting an end to the abuse of animals in circuses."