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Animals to feature in Christmas circus

Animals including tigers, a yak, crocodiles, horses and ponies, lama, snakes, an ostrich, sheep dwarves, ian guana, anaconda and zebra will feature in a circus which will come to Malta over the Christmas holidays.

JS Productions said that Circo Fantasy will also also feature fire eaters, acrobats, clowns and other performers.

A circus tent seating 1,200 will be set up at Blata l-Baja.

Two shows will be perfomed daily between December 10 and January 3.

“Circo Fantasy originates from Italy and is regulated under theca Code of Conduct for animals, EC Regulation 1739/2005 of 21 October 2005 laying down animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals between member states and under other supplementary regulations issued by the Federal Veterinary Office,” said Silvio Zammit at JS Productions.

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Comments

Danica Falzon (3 weeks, 6 days ago)
It's great to see that people are aware about all the cruelty involved and ready to take action.. For those who are still in denial.. do your research before you support certain activities.. the facts are there and available.. IT'S CLEAR... IT'S CRUELTY..
Annalise Falzon (on 22/10/09)
If you do not agree with animal circuses please help the Circus Animal Rights Coalition
by signing the petition, joining our fb group and sending in your comments - if you have any time to spare join our campaign!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/animalslavery/
our facebook group : http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=152447782391&ref=ts
K.Grech (on 22/10/09)
Put the animals back in the wild where they belong!!
Corinne Muscat Terribile (on 21/10/09)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S4fk4ouFZc&feature=related

Animals have to go through all this suffering so that some egoistic individuals can have some few hours of 'fun'. Animals should be free to roam about not tied in chains and kept in constricted spaces and one can also imagine the strain that these animals pass through when travelling from one country to another.
Isabella peresso Fiorentino (on 21/10/09)
To all those who enjoy this barbarism : Your entertainment is their misery. What a shame! I hope a massive protest will be organized for the sake of those poor creatures who don't have a voice.
Alfred Camilleri (on 21/10/09)
V. Laiviera. You are right, I will not even try to understand you, seeing that you have missed my point completely.
C. Caruana. I was not referring to NGOs and their bogus fights for 'karrozzini' horses' sufferings (what about racing horses?). I was referring to people like you who commented in this blog.
anthea peschel (on 21/10/09)
i do not agree with animal circuses as wild animals are not meant to do tricks and be locked up in cages and confined spaces. we should learn to appriciate and love animals in their own natural enviroment. for me it is ridiculous to watch animals doing stupid stunts which most probably they learnt after many cruelties being inflicted on them.
R.Bezzina (on 21/10/09)
This is outrageous and obscene. I hope someone of good faith stops these mercenaries or otherwise that as many people as possible boycot this cruel show. I remember that some years ago, we ended on Striscia la Notizia due to Circus staff beating u p Maltese protesters. At the time we were promised that no other Circus containing animals would be allowed to enter the country. I tlooks like business is more powerful than a promise given.
Jessica Henry (on 21/10/09)
For all those who think it's OK for wild animals to be treated this way, ''just because we don't get to go to zoos abroad'' is right, It isn't right. Even zoos are keeping animals away from their natural habitat. Tigers, Lions, Elephants, only to mention a few, were NOT supposed to live in cages, they do NOT belong there. If you want to see wild animals, watch Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel, where you can see them in their natural environment. Don't expect these gorgeous creatures to perform tricks for you're 'entertainment'. This is the attitude of IGNORANCE. I have children, and I want them to learn about the animals in their proper habitat, not performing tricks.
I for one will NOT be going to this Circus until they stop using animals in their shows. For all of you who have an ounce of intelligence and compassion, boycott this circus. You are not an animal lover if you attend.

Also, for tose who say people like me only protest about certain things but dismiss others, you are WRONG. I personally do my absolute best to preserve Animal Rights.People should think before opening their mouths.
Manya Russo (on 21/10/09)
this is just disgusting!!!God only knows the conditions these animals are under and how they are trained!!the real beasts are the organizers and any people who support these shows!
Steffi Thake (on 21/10/09)
Boycott the animal circus! No animal deserves to endure such a painful life in a cage and performing on a stage. They don't deserve it. They should be free in their natural habitat. And if they happened to be captive bred, they should be (at least) kept in a proper zoo where they have ample space to run around, good welfare and love from their carers.
Being whipped and trained to dance around on their hind legs and jump through flaming hoops is not where they should be!
Dr Martin Delveaux (on 21/10/09)
I thouhgt Malta had joined the EU? What is this circus doing in Malta? Animals in circuses is something from an age gone by. They are not welcome anywhere in the EU unless they do without torturing and exploiting animals.
Dr Jennifer Williams (on 21/10/09)
Shame on the Maltese authorities for once more allowing this travelling circus of cruelty to set up in Malta. Watching long-suffering animals perform unnatural behaviour is not my idea of fun nor that of any rational human being. Whoever attends this circus is supporting cruelty to animals-it is obvious that tigers, zebras and crocodiles were not made to be shipped from one inadequate location to the next nor to be trained (by food deprivation or physical pain) into performing for the dubious pleasure of a moronic audience. Count me in for the protest outside.
Dave Gladwish (on 21/10/09)
Boycott this disgusting tradition!
Alex Caffary (on 21/10/09)
I find it absolutely ridiculous that some people think that animals performing tricks in a circus represents nature. Good God people. Open your minds a little and think about it for a minute.
If you attend this abomination of nature, you will be directly supporting animal cruelty and teaching your kids that it is natural for a tiger to jump through a fiery hoop or for an elephant to sit on a stool. If you truly believe that is nature, then do yourself a favour and watch Animal Planet for a few days. I am sure you will change your mind very quickly.
I personally will not be attending the show. However, you might find me outside protesting and taking pictures of the people who have not sufficiently educated themselves on what nature truly is.
Alison Bezzina (on 21/10/09)
Pajjiz tal Mickey Mouse..... who ever goes to this circus is condoning this : http://www.alisonbezzina.com/circus-cruelty/

Dr Antoine Spiteri (on 21/10/09)
In order to train these animals to be circus performers most handlers use electric prods, whips, sleep deprivation, isolation, starvation, and other subversive cruel treatment that all too often leads to considerable physical and psychological trauma.

Some people take pleasure in dog fighting, bull fighting or hunting animals to death, others take pleasure killing innocent people too. When it comes to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal or human being, it is important to know where our priorities lie, as a society. We say no to human cruelty , we say no to dog fighting and similarly we need to say no to circuses that cause unnecessary harm to these sentient animals.
c.caruana (on 21/10/09)
@Alfred Camilleri
Get informed pls....ngo's have been fighting for the rights of horses and 'karozzini' for a long time now and they are still fighting.

Iosif Galea (on 21/10/09)
A look at Italian television suffices showing beautiful circuses where animals perform. In Monaco Prince Ranier is also in attendance - and I recall having seen animals also. So what is so special why certain protesters should go so far as having their way. Protesting is legitimate - but not to the extent of disrupting my and my family's legitimate fun.
For me a circus without animals is somewhat lacking - I do understand the concern of animal lovers that animals should not be not subject to cruelty. And I would be the first to protest if an animal is ill- treated. But come on - let us give the organisers a chance - also to entertain us, at an affordable price for us workers and their kids. Not everybody has the luxury to take them abroad to a zoo or on safari. One should not miss out on enjoying the beauties of the animal kingdom.
M. Cuschieri (on 21/10/09)
How can sane people enjoy watching these majestic and beautiful animals ridicule themselves by being forced to perform ridiculous and unnatural actions? Do you think tigers were made to jump through a hoop of fire? Pathetic!! Shame on those people organising and attending these atrocious events.
Roberta Cassar (on 20/10/09)
This is really great, mela first the Bengal Tiger comes in, now these Circus animals come in - ALL without staying in quarantine! Mela the cat clubs were right when saying about quarantine. Allura it's not fair for a tiny kitten to stay in quarantine for a months and a huge animal to come in Malta and not stay in quarantine! Vera MCuckoo Land qedin. Mhux ahjar jnehhuha il quarantina allura ghax vera tad dahq din li- smajt tal ahhar.
Victor Laiviera (on 20/10/09)
@ Mr Alfred Cammilleri

If you cannot see the difference between keeping a dog or a cat and whipping a tiger in order to make it jump through a flaming hoop then you can never understand what we are trying to say.

Don't even try.
V.Brown (on 20/10/09)
Good news and about time too . My niece will love it , and so will i . Why don't these people protest against fish farms , rabbit breeders , turkey farms and so on . Probably they all enjoy a fenkata and turkey .
B.C. Torreggiani (on 20/10/09)
Mr Camilleri really does need to read the suffering of circus animals. It's amazing how most other civilised countries are no longer allowing circuses with animals. Malta on the other hand is still welcoming them. And we wonder how we are collecting various species of wild life?
Malcolm Borg (on 20/10/09)
@ Alfred Camilleri

while I can see your point, you fail to realize that circuses are not events that showcase animal intelligence just like dog shows where dogs jump over obstacles etc. Circuses depend on non-domesticated animals who are instinctually used to roam over large distances. Wolves are used to do that too...dogs have adapted to an urban life. In fact you use biscuits to train dogs, whips to train tigers!
While I am a vegetarian myself, it is very different to eat an animal for nourisment rather than watching him do cheap tricks for no apparent reason.
Many NGOs, who are also opposing this animal circus, have already made themselves clear in favour of permanent shelters for karozzini: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090828/local/wspa-comes-to-the-rescue-of-karozzini-horses
Ask yourself: why should u go watch a tiger jump through a ring of fire? What is the logic?
Monique Agius (on 20/10/09)
What right does a human being have on the life of other living organisms? If you love animals, enjoy them in the wild.
Boycott the animal circus!
Alfred Camilleri (on 20/10/09)
I am not interested in circuses, with or without animals, but I hate hypocrisy. I suppose all those who are against animal shows at the circus are all vegeterians; non-hunters; don't keep pets at home, like birds, dogs and cats (yes, these too suffer cruelty by being kept in a cage, or on a leash, or just at home, instead of being let free to roam about where their fancy takes them); are partial to rats, mice and cockroaches. And what about 'karozzini' and racing horses. Don't these suffer too? Of course, no one condemns handlers of these beasts.Who knows why?

Then you get such comments, 'Even a guinea pig or a budgie takes time to adjust to a new cage or place. I can imagine a tiger being shifted from a country to another'. Unbelievable! So it's alright for a guines pig or a budgie to be kept in a cage, but not so in the case of a tiger.
Rosalind Dougall (on 20/10/09)
To those who will support the barbaric tradition of these atrocious shows - I hope that you realise the animal's blood is on your hands.

Put a stop to this grotesque display of egocentric tendencies. Who's to say humans have the right to abuse of, mistreat and torment animals in such a manner - in any manner at all? I hope that one day, these animal 'trainers' meet the same courtesy in life as they show to these poor beasties.

BOYCOTT!
M. Cooper (on 20/10/09)
Animal circus = animal cruelty. Animals should be appreciated in the wild or at least in a safari park not performing tricks in a circus. MMMM wonder if these are another transfer not imports from MEPA??

Boycott circus with animals performing - these are not in their natural environment doing their natural thing. These animals in Ciircuses are made to perform by threats and whips, see the video on Animal Channel and you will never watch an animal circus again.
Claire Busuttil (on 20/10/09)
Nispera biss li kull min ihobb l annimali bhali ma imurx jarhom.
clint catania (on 20/10/09)
Animals should be and stay in there habitat.These people who can t afford to go abroad and see them should be happy that at least they have a tv and books to see how its nature.we are the only creatures which are killing the planet and nature.its all about money, greedness and selfishness but no problem as long as the kids are going to be happy.MR.animal friendly you should first teach your kids to love animals and enjoy there freedom.live and let live if you know how
Malcolm Borg (on 20/10/09)
Yet another attempt by the JS Productions to earn some cheap money at the expense of sentient and magnificent creatures. All those attending the circus.....please THINK.......THINK....how do the animals perform the tricks you're watching? But, I guess, it's comfortable not to think about it....just enjoy your popcorn dude...mhuxx xortaaa....kollox jghaddi! =)
Aldo Attard (on 20/10/09)
I consider myself an animal lover. I am sure a home is not complete without a pet; a dog, cat or any.
But please tell me what is a circus without animals.
Some time ago we maltese could see some breeds in San Anton; but now they are no more.
We can only admire them when some circus is brought to our shores.
Organizers can donate some of the profit proceeds to some animal cause in Malta as conscience money.
Count me in if cost of tickets is reasonable.
J.Bonnici (on 20/10/09)
Ivan, nobody should force circus animals to perform. It's a cruel thing to do and people who pay to see these creatures are aggravating their misery.
Ivan Delia (on 20/10/09)
You can count myself and my family IN ....thanks to JS productions...... we can see these animals and shows very close to our country !!!

To all people who dont want to come is free to do it.... but pls NOBODY CAN DECIDE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY WHAT TO SEE. !!!
K. Pullicino (on 20/10/09)
You'll get the "if you don't like it, don't watch it" liberal argument these days, unfortunately.
Paul Harper (on 20/10/09)
Leave wild animals in the wild where they belong.

Why must we be so barbaric, behaving like parasites and interfere with absolutely everything around us as our planet is dieing thanks to our greed. imagine for a second if the roles were reversed and we were the caged ones and made to perform in front of the mob for there pleasure, how despicable our captors would be in our eyes?!
Franco Farrugia (on 20/10/09)
SHAME on the Government and on the authorities who have sanctioned this Circus to come to Malta. Another proof tt shows that animals are not thought of and that this country is not animal-friendly at all. This is disgusting and we shall continue to do our utmost in order to highlight the way animals are treated officially in this country, abroad!
Well, animal associations wil get together and discuss how we can persuad people, through education and other activities, not to visit this Circus. Especially schools and eductional establishments. Disgusting! Rightdown disgusting! Shame on whoever is responsible!
G. Bencini (on 20/10/09)
Crocodiles, lamas, anacondas, zebras to perform in a circus ... how sad ... this is pure and simple slavery to satisfy human whims.
M Williams (on 20/10/09)
As for conforming to E U regulations, have a look at Circo Fantasy's past record:
http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2006/febbraio/09/sono_scomparse_tigri_circo_co_10_060209004.shtml
c.caruana (on 20/10/09)
SHAME on who is bringing this circus here, but i can imagine why...money as usual and this is realy sad!!
D Posey (on 20/10/09)
Money comes first, animal welfare last, of course. As usual!
a.camilleri (on 20/10/09)
just plain crueltey for the sake of money!!
adrian aquilina (on 20/10/09)
this is sad..while so many places ban circuses with animals due to the treatment and the fact that they should not be in cages,malta lets them perform..no decent minded person who cares about animal welfare would go to this
Mario Mercieca (on 20/10/09)
Looking forward to see the circus again.i love going to see a circus with live animals,not only watching them on tv or you have to go abroad in a zoo when its too expensive to travel when you have kids.thanks for bringing the circus over whoever you are.keep it up...........
M Williams (on 20/10/09)
My family and i visited the Circus last year as it did not feature animals. As we don't believe in animals suffering so that we can be entertained, we will definitely NOT be going this year so Mr J Farrugia is welcome to his thirty tickets - that's between him and his conscience. As for Mr V Caruana, what's natural about animals performing tricks???? I can only surmise he's joking.
@Mr Saviour Cauchi....zoos also keep animals in captivity, one of the reasons many animals are on the brink of extinction is that in the past they have been taken from the wild to be locked up in zoos and circuses.

With so many excellent documentaries which show animals in their natural habitat, there is no need to visit circuses or zoos to learn about animals. In fact anyone who takes their children to see captive animals is not educating them, but just reinforcing the egotistical idea that man has the power over other creatures and so he feels that he can use them as he wills without any consideration for their rights and welfare. Boycott the circus and help children become more caring and considerate!
Adrian Cachia (on 20/10/09)
Even a Guinea Pig or a Budgie takes time to adjust in a new cage or place. I can imagine a tiger being shifted from a country to another.....

Robert Callus (on 20/10/09)
It's soothing to read the comments below. It shows we Maltese have a heart. There is only one way to stop this cruelty - BOYCOTT
Jon Shaw (on 20/10/09)
The way these animals are trained to perfom circus tricks is cruelty at its best. Nonetheless, we live in a country where a large % of the people do not understand this. The Circus will perform yet hopefully parents with some common sense will not support this event and take their children to this circus.
Sylvia Zammit (on 20/10/09)
As usual, money is considered more important than the well being of animals!!!!! This is nothing short of exploitation.
Max farrugia (on 20/10/09)
Tigers, crocodiles, snakes ect, there place is in the wild and not in circuses. I invite JS Productions officials to spend just a couple of days in the life of the animals whilst they are being transported from one country to another and also a few hours during their training sessions. Circues with animals are cruel shows and it is about time that the EU will take the necessary action to ban them. Austria already ban them from their countries and hope that more governments will actikon on the same lines.
Max Farrugia
M.Brincat (on 20/10/09)
>>Boycott
adrian agius (on 20/10/09)
another scandal!!!!!!!!! Can we please know who gave the go-ahead for this rubbish ?????
c vella (on 20/10/09)
FREE ANIMALS....that is nature
G.Pisani (on 20/10/09)
All the organizers think about is money. That's it. I hope it will be a big flop!
Joseph Agius (on 20/10/09)
Pass il-quddiem u mija lura.
saviour cauchi (on 20/10/09)
Better enjoy the circus because the only other places you can see the animals is in a zoo before they become extinct., which by the way there is no zoo in Malta
J Farrugia (on 20/10/09)
yes at last . hurray. book me 30 tickets..
mtanti (on 20/10/09)
The beauty of nature?? That is what I call a sick mindset! Watching animals performing tricks which they were forced to learn is not what I would call the beauty of nature! Watching these animals performing acts which are totally unnatural for them is no beauty of nature. Switch on your TV and watch a decent documentary my friend... THAT is the beauty of nature!
J. Borg (on 20/10/09)
You can count myself and my family out....thanks but no thanks!
Joe Cassar (on 20/10/09)
@ Mr V Caruana

If you think that tigers whipped to jump through fiery hoops is "nature", then you have a very strange idea of what nature is.
josephine bellizzi (on 20/10/09)
animals are not for our leisure and entertainment...they shouldn`t be kept in cages and trained to give us shows.A lot of cruel methods are used to train these poor animals. When will these circuses be stopped once and for all!!
Victor Laiviera (on 20/10/09)
What a shame. Any right-thinking person should boycott this type of circus
Eric Gahn (on 20/10/09)
Publishing that the circus is EU regulated does not make the wrong a right. Animals are not to be kept in cages.
V Caruana (on 20/10/09)
That's good news. Let us enjoy the beauty of nature.

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