No circus for schools
'...visits should not be held during school time'
Schools will not be taking students to the Circo Fantasy, which will be in Malta over Christmas, The Times has learnt.
Micheline Sciberras, director general Directorate for Educational Services, said: "We are very attentive to ensure children only go to educational activities, we are cautious as to how many activities they go to each year, and there is increased awareness on animal rights,"
Ms Sciberras said, adding the circular would include instructions to schools that circus visits should not be held during school time.
"Families may obviously decide to take their children. However, we will not be taking our students to the circus," she said.
She added that the authorities would be issuing a circular to parents related to Christmas activities.
The Circus Animal Rights Coalition on Tuesday called on the Education Division not to allow schools to take children to the circus because animals were unwilling participants in a show that jeopardised their health and psychological well-being.
However, JR Productions, which is bringing the circus over, has given reassurances that it abides by the necessary EU animal and veterinary regulations.
Circo Fantasy, which will include about 50 animals, will run two to three shows a day from December 10 to January 3.