Monday, 5th January 2009
Animal-free circuses are still entertaining - campaigners
The two animal-free circuses that were in Malta over the Christmas period are now packing up their bags after presenting a number of shows for the Maltese.
The fact that circus performances did not feature any acts involving animals was welcomed by animal rights campaigners.
Circus Animal Rights Coalition, which had staged a number of protests against animal acts in the past, said this year's shows proved its past campaigns to raise awareness "against the exploitation and cruelty" in circuses have been effective.
They also welcomed the fact that people were becoming increasingly aware that animal circuses were neither entertaining nor educational.
The coalition emphasised that "an end to animal circuses doesn't mean an end to fun", pointing out there were many circuses that were entertaining without featuring animals in their acts.
The coalition reiterated its stance that "behind the glitter and glitz of animal circuses lies a cruel world of untold animal suffering".
Animals used in circuses were unwilling participants, the coalition maintained, adding that animals had to travel long distances in unsuitable and precarious conditions.
The climate of the localities these animals visited could also be unstable for their natural temperament.
The coalition is made up of: Moviment Graffitti, Animal Rights Malta, Alternattiva Demokratika Żgħażagħ, Subculture-animal Friends, Cetfree, the Abandoned Animal Association, World Animal Conscience, Hakuna Matata, Nature Trust, Noah's Ark, Island Sanctuary, International Animal Rescue (Malta), World Animal Conscience, SOS Animals, St Francis Foundation for Animals, Yelp for Help and Ananda Marga.
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Comments
"But I wonder if there are any actual statistics to prove that more people in Malta prefer to see animal-free circus shows versus ones with animals in them."
No need for statistics: the promoters themselves felt the pulse of the paying public and took a normal, rational, business decision. They decided - not the government, not the NGO's - that it was, at least, just as profitable to get an animal-free circus. Not one, but two. Both were a resounding success, I am glad to note.
Not everyone is an 'animal lover'.
If an animal circus comes to Malta, people aren't forced to go there if they think it's cruel. And if an animal-free circus comes to Malta, non-'animal lovers' are not forced to go either.
But I wonder if there are any actual statistics to prove that more people in Malta prefer to see animal-free circus shows versus ones with animals in them.
Regarding seals and dolphins you are right. Maybe we (animal lovers) haven't made enough pressure. Dolphins have an added disadvantage because they seem they are always smiling.
While I'm against the way chickens are bred and their conditions, don't you think it would be a big unreachable goal to convince most people to become vegan? Come on
The NGO's did not dictate the Govt, but put pressure on promoters who have realised that an animal free circus is just as commercially viable.
SImple economics....
Mizzi has to realise that it's not a question of minorities - first of all, who ever said that we are speaking here of minorities? - but it's a question of what should be done and what should not be done.
In this case, it is not wise and ethical to make animals perform for us, human beings. It is just not right. If we are to respect the presence of animals around us, it is to PROTECT them and DEFEND THEM and not, as the J Farrugias of this tiny-dot-on-the-globe-named-Malta, use animals in order to satisfy our whims and fancies.
Animals ought not to be victims of business - they ought not be victims of man's politics. Animals are there with the same right as the presence of the human being.
And once again, Marvin Mizzi, the answer is NO. An emphatic NO. Animal lovers have right and the duty to protect animals and to ensure that animals do not form part of any circus!
You are very wrong when talking about minority or majority, and the govt having to decide for the simple reason that animal circuses weren't banned.
Due to awareness by the NGO's and individuals, many people, especially school teachers and parents boycotted animal circuses and made them less profitable.
Isn't that legal enough for you?
He always adresses himself as we ...wonder why...
Ps...Dear J Farrugia....when it comes to circuses...(WE) animal lovers have won this round.....
ENjoy it.,..
"Are there no businessmen worthy of their name who can oppose these people?"
At the end of the day, a businessman will decide what circus to bring over, depending on what turnout he is planning to have - if there are more ppl willing to attend an animal-free circus, I don't think it will make sense bringing over an animal show just to spite people, unless he has money to throw away !.
Its wonderful to finally see that animal rights are putting pressure on the market !
complete or partial prohibition on the use of animals acts in
circuses,`` ``In addition, Belgium, Austria and Poland have a ban on
the use of wild animals only``.
I hope Malta will become the 16th country!
mr J Farrugia wants to see more of this!
" the elephants, so majestic and intelligent in nature, but forced by their trainers to wear feathers and sequins and walk on their hind legs. (Such tricks are dangerous. Walking on the hind legs can cause a large, balloon-like swelling around the elephant's rectum area. This intense pressure often leads to painful rectal hernias that can cause death.) "
"elephants were electroshocked in the ears, mouth, and anus, and bears had their noses broken and feet burned so that trainers could establish dominance. Other training devices include whips, muzzles, and tight collars."
Give us a break......hop off to the Kenya & enjoy the sight of wild animals
Please speak for yourself Mr Farrugia! Who are the 'we' you are refering to? I will not take it upon myself to speak for the entire ' Maltese community', but I, for one, DO NOT wish to see animals in a circus and I am sure many others share my feelings. For years, my family have refused to visit the Circus as we do not feel that it is moral for animals to suffer just for our entertainment. This year we went to the Circus and enjoyed it all the more for knowing no creature was being exploited. So thank you to the organisers and we look forward to visiting a NON-Animal circus again next year.