Circus insists animals are well cared for

j borg

Dec 9th 2009, 14:40

ara veru ahna maltin dejjem ngergru fuq dik u fuq l-ohra ma jista jigi xejn Malta ghax dejjem nriedu nghidu xi haga......................jekk l animali tas circus qedin as stated ' UNHAPPY' mela l animali li hemm razett l hbiberija mhumiex UNHAPPY ukoll ghax mumiex fil klima taghhom per ezempju ghandhom xadini, mountain goats (kemm ghandna muntanji ...hlief il maghtab),wallabies etc etc u xi nghidu fuq sriep, lizards etc etc li jgibu il petshops dawk mumiex unhappy ukoll .

imma msomma well done Mr Zammit
parents take your children as we use to do when we had one off circuses in Malta.

Stanley Cassar Darien

Dec 9th 2009, 14:08

A circus with wild animals is a phase-out model. The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade.

There is no way that anyone can teach an elephant or tiger tricks without fear. Dogs on the other hand respond to positive reinforcement training so basically training your dog with treats and praise is possible and humane. For ten minutes of performing, these animals live a life of misery. A lot of countries (Austria and Sweden for example) have banned or restricted the use of animals in entertainment.

Let's applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats, but let’s leave animals in peace.

A. Fernandez

Dec 9th 2009, 13:39

A quote from a comment(this is commenting by the way and not blogging like a lot of people writing comments in the Times believe) on the animal sacrifice that was recently performed in Nepal:

"I am led to believe you are all vegetarians.Yeah i bet you are. "

I had posted a link to a movie there, after which there were no further comments - so it's probable that no-one saw it, so here it is again:

WARNING! It contains material that may be offensive to some. But it is well made and has a rating of 8.5 out of 10 stars on IMDb

Information( on IMDb):
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358456/

The film:
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5385262562200813379

Kenneth Cassar

Dec 9th 2009, 13:17

@ J Mifsud:

"...but I have no right to influence others not to go". Why don't you have that right? Everyone else does.

J.Borg

Dec 9th 2009, 12:52

This is ironic a trained animal in a cage used by a circus is called to be cruel and a person keeping a 'domestic' tiger for pleasure but still in a cage is called an animal lover and many praised him in some recent blogs ... is there something wrong?

laurence schembri

Dec 9th 2009, 10:58

When a caged bird sings, he is saying; `let me out, let me use my wings, god created me to use them`, i can still sing in flight`.

J.Mifsud

Dec 9th 2009, 10:08

I really don't know what all this fuss is all about. In Malta as everyone knows we already have captive tigers and other exotic creatures living among us. So live and let live, if one wants to see the circus one is free to do so. If one does not want to attend because of animals cruelty one can always stay away. No one has the right to impose what they believe is right on others. I for one will not be attending, but I have no right to influence others not to go.

Charmaine Marmara'

Dec 9th 2009, 09:19

@Joseph Borg . L unika wiehed li qijad igerger sa fejn naf jien huwa int bhalissa. Din hija il comments area. Kullhadd jghid li jhoss. Issa jekk inti tahseb li qed ingergru ghax hawn ghal grazzja t alla min ijhobb l annimali ,dik problema tijak. Jien nixtieq nara lilom maghluqin. min qal li l annimali jinstabu tajbin go gagga u kull min jghid xi hlew.

@Iosif Galea . Don't be ridiculous.

@ Rita Spiteri . Of course i have a dog. She s the queen of the house ,better then most uneducated spoiled children and loves us unconditionally. And circus animals are in a cage and happy.

U DDAHQUNIX

Kenneth Cassar

Dec 9th 2009, 09:18

http://www.repubblica.it/2006/b/sezioni/cronaca/circo/sequestrotigri/sequestrotigri.html

C Zammit

Dec 9th 2009, 06:52

Let me start by saying I am against animals in captivity.

But that also means that I consider 'domestic' animals in captivity. Let me ask a simple question : Do you consider that dogs before humans were 'domesticated'? No - they were wild dogs who cleverly adapted to 'perform' for humans to get food and shelter. If humans were gone tomorrow, instinct kicks in and all of them will return to the wild - their true origins.

The same goes to pigs, who even in 20 days return to wild hogs, horses and cats.

Someone asked in a comment if u have ever seen a neighbor take out an alligator from his home. No, I haven't. But I have seen someone taking an animal from a cage in the garage, tie him up, and then make him take him for a long ride in the heat for his pleasure ... we are speaking of a horse here.

So lets call a spade a spade. Animals with humans are always in captivity - be it for pleasure or duty - we still train them against their instinct. This goes for the circus and home.

Simon Galea

Dec 8th 2009, 22:10

The only way to stop this form of cruelty is through introducing proper legislation. Exerting pressure on local authorities is the only way forward.
It is the duty of all those against animal cruelty to attended for next Thursday's protest. Let's make ourselves heard.

SYMBOLIC WALK AGAINST ANIMAL CIRCUSES
Date: Thursday 10th December
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Starting from City Gate, Valletta to Blata l-Bajda
Say NO to animal cruelty! Be there!
For more information visit the Facebook group 'Circus Animal Rights Coalition’

Laurence Calleja

Dec 8th 2009, 20:22

As long as the demonstartion is a calm one there is no problem. Everyone has the right to liberty, i.e. he can opt to go to the circus without being harassed and others may demonstrate peacefully without shouting abusive or intimidating words against others. Another thing, I hope that traffic will not be affected again. This is happening quite frequently, such as fun runs, marathons, cycle races, and now a demonstration. To be fair I know that the demonstartion organisers are telling those attending to walk on the pavement and not to obstruct the carriage way.

M Williams

Dec 8th 2009, 20:01

If you really feel that you must go to the Circus and don't give a hoot about animals, then go, nobody can stop you, but please don't try to convince us that (a) you are animal lovers (b) that the animals are happy or they are trained 'like you train a puppy at home'.How many domestic cats have you trained to jump through a burning hoop just for treats, Iosif Galea, let alone tigers!!! A search through the internet will shed light on the training methods used!

@Christian Sciberras: True animal lovers definitely don't wear fur either, two wrongs don't make a right!!

@Justin Zammit: It's sad that it all boils down to money but you are perfectly correct, if all animal lovers do not patronise Circuses with Animals, the greedy promoters who exploit animals to make money will no longer have a reason to bring them here.

@Arthur Busuttiul, J Farrugia and Iosif Galea - while you are enjoying your 'entertainment',
put yourself in the place of those animals and decide whether it is a 'truly magical experience' for them........... do unto others as you would like to be done unto you.

adrian aquilina

Dec 8th 2009, 19:59

mr g.cassar,humans have the choice to leave,or are you saying they are forced to stay there like slaves as this is illigall,non human animals have no choice and what they are trained to do is not natural.some people need to watch a few films of cicuses training them.there is a reason they are banned in most countries.popular circuses dont have animals but malta and italy are two countries that have an old mentality..and whoever brought up guide dogs,who are not trained to do anything unnatural or beaten to learn,must be stupid,like the lady talking about cats and dogs.only domestic cats and dogs are pets and are allowed to be themselves,and if an owner is caught chaining it up or being cruel he is arrested..no big dogs do not naturally eat smaller.alot of people here are plain stupid and all for selfish reasons..learn before you speak,watch documentaries!about circuses,and life we are made to live like meet your meat,food inc..animals were here hundreds of thousands of years before we started evolving into humans and thanks to us they have almost vanished.80%of large sea creatures have vanished,when animals have disapeared from the wild,inc birds,we will die off.the planet is to be shared

G.Pisani

Dec 8th 2009, 19:51

@Gerard Cassar,

wow what some stupid and senseless comments you just made! What future these animals have? Humans destroyed and took their future by putting them in cages. Also do some research on how animals are trained in circuses.

P.Ciantar

Dec 8th 2009, 19:44

@Gerard Cassar

100% agree with your comments in my opinion.
To some comments hereunder: What would you say about Sea World in Orlando for example. Do you think these whales are not well treated. I can assure you that they're not and they are definetly happy over there.

Joseph Borg

Dec 8th 2009, 19:25

Jiena ma nafx...min idejqu in nar, mid qed idejquh il festi, min idejquh ic-cirkli tal animali, min iddejqu il-kacca, min idejquh is sigaretti, min idejquh il "parties", min idejqu paceville, min idejquh il klandestini kulhadd igorr fuq kollox...min irid imur imur, min ma jridx ma jmurx hadd ma hu jaqbadkhom min xarhkom biex tmorru bilfors. Daqt nispiccaw dejjem id-dar naraw it televison.....jekk ma jkunx hawn min igorr ukoll!

Robert Micallef

Dec 8th 2009, 19:18

@ Moira et all,

Please do not impose your belief on others. If you don't like the circus simply don't go. But please spare me your BLA BLA this and BLA BLA that! For me a vet's certificate is more than adequate and if the tiger is unhappy she can make a snack of her trainer!

Nik Laferla

Dec 8th 2009, 18:52

@ All

http://www.circuses.com/

No one will ever convince me that circus animals are not maltreated....

Im sure most attending the event are not educated enough about the subject or are people who think like gerard cassar,j.farrugia,and iosif galea .

@ arthur busuttil
?????????????????????????

Alfred Baldacchino

Dec 8th 2009, 18:24

A circus is not a circus without programmed performing animals. I am sure the animals like
performing and the ensuing applause they get from the audience as much as the circus artistes do.

As one contributor pointed out: in a wayhumans are also programmed to perform in their various
positions in life.

A. Borg

Dec 8th 2009, 18:13

I can't understand how the vet authorities in Malta let themselves in a trap like this!
Wake up,you're being used.Even the majority of the inmates at prison are in good health but still behind bars!

Louise Chircop

Dec 8th 2009, 17:43

@ Gerard Cassar

Human who work in circuses do so by choice - if not they would be slaves. Animals have no option but to remain there ...confined to a cage. Now can you notice the difference?

Children are sent to school but we certainly do not chain them to their desks - and they do have an option once they are 16. They can either continue to study voluntarily or else quit. Do circus animals have this option?

Malcolm Borg

Dec 8th 2009, 17:20

"neither natural environment nor much natural behaviour can be recreated" (Bristol University)... prove otherwise Silvio!

Gerard Cassar

Dec 8th 2009, 17:09

Those who pity the animals at the Circus have no pity for the humans!
These are born in the circus; they are trained from their infancy to perform acrobatic numbers, trapezists, jugglers, contortionists, animal tamers. Nobody show any pity for them. Most probably until they perfect their act they suffer and cry. However once they attain perfection it is their normal job.
All children study compulsory and nobody pities them. Why? Because they are preparing for their future such are the students for nearly twenty years from the age of five to 25. They spend the best part of their life on benches reading, studying, doing home works, problems, writing thesis. One trains his body and perhaps even a bit of his mind the others sleep on books. All do it for their livelihood when adults.
It could be said that similarly animals are born in the circus, are trained probably with kindness. Given freedom they might remain there. Cages are only precautionary. When performing they might enjoy themselves and taste a bit of freedom

p agius

Dec 8th 2009, 17:06

@ C Camilleri,,,,,,

Guide dogs love their job....They're made (not trained only) for it...

Alison Bezzina

Dec 8th 2009, 16:57

The good news is that from what I can see the organisers have failed to secure any sponsors for this year's farce of a cricus. The bad news is that Silvio Zammit (JS promotions) boasts about his connections with a photo of himself and Gonzi on his facebook profile.... Doesn't Gonzi's PR team think that this is bad press or are the animals not that important ?

Rita Spiteri

Dec 8th 2009, 16:54

@Robert Cutajar
Yes and who made them domestic ? They did not start out as man's best friend. Humans made them that way for their own amusement ,protection ,companions etc ect ,Animal lovers should protect animals not own them.

If I leave my dog out, it will return behind the door in less than 30 mins...well that just shows you how your dog depends on you for his survival and that you are his MASTER.

Frank Cini

Dec 8th 2009, 16:24

Dogs are DOMESTIC animals. Does your neighbour have an alligator and take it out with a leash, Just to picture it for you an alligator is an animal which is kept in living rooms running around with its bowl in the kitchen and some people let it sleep in their bed, It's ridiculous ehh what I am saying ....at least you got that point. Now consider your comments!

S. Zahra

Dec 8th 2009, 16:17

@c.camilleri

Rest assured that guide dogs will live their life happily!
It is in their instinct to help humans!

S. Zahra

Dec 8th 2009, 16:15

@Rita Spiteri

Your argument does not make any sense!! Dogs and Cats are domestic animals!
If I leave my dog out, it will return behind the door in less than 30 mins!

Justin Zammit

Dec 8th 2009, 16:14

Ultimately in all things like these, it's just a matter of "demand" and "supply" (i.e money).

We can make our part and lower as much as possible this "Demand" for this type of entertainment and not go to these events. low demand would mean a reduction in entrepreneurs promoting these events, since they would not be financially viable anymore, with circus organizers having to change their business strategy to survive, so we can ultimately lower or even eliminate this "supply" of animal humiliation (ok some ppl may think its not cruelty what is done in circuses, but its definitely humiliation!!!)

I know it may sound cold, quoting economics on such matters, but ultimately that's what it all revolves around....MONEY!!!....and such a practice can be beaten by using the same "weapon".

a sultana peregin

Dec 8th 2009, 16:13

"fully booked" - how many are FREE tickets?...just listen to radio stations giving FREE tickets

S. Zahra

Dec 8th 2009, 16:12

Circus = Animal not in their natural environment!!

I will be more happy to spend thousand of € to go Africa to see the same animals in their natural habitat rather to give a €10 to this 'businessman' to see these animals in a cage the size of a box room!

the following two videos says it all:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JieJAVNFbUY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JieJAVNFbUY

F Spiteri

Dec 8th 2009, 16:08

To C Camilleri - have you got any idea what you are saying ? Do you realize the love given and received by these guide dogs ? And the freedom and sense of life they once again give to their owners ?? What does it have to do with circus animals ?? Shame on you for even thinking that you can start to compare these amazing guide dogs with circus animals.....As someone else told you, thallatx il hass ma l-...............

Joseph Agis

Dec 8th 2009, 16:01

Stop this argument once for all. Who belive circus is animal cruelty and therefore dont want to go to the circus is not going no matter what this Silvio or circus officials says, on the other hand who really wants go to the circus, whatever Moira and other animal actavists say is not going to change their mind. Fullstop.

Christian Sciberras

Dec 8th 2009, 16:00

At least, they are LIVE tigers rather then the furs some would die for to wear.

Rita Spiteri

Dec 8th 2009, 15:56

Is it cruel to keep cats and dogs locked up at home and if they are taken out they are put on a leash? They should be free,a large dog can eat a smaller dog or a cat if it's hungry yes ? . That's how nature intended it to be isn't it? I bet all those that are sceeming murder again circuses with animals has got a dog or a cat or two or three that they keep for their own amusement.

F Spiteri

Dec 8th 2009, 15:56

To J Farrugia and Arthur Busuttil - what sad people you are !! And i rest my case at that !

Robert Callus

Dec 8th 2009, 15:54

@Arthur Busuttil
If you have a valid reason why Moira's talents are in some way harmful, try to convince the public to boycott her, like we are doing and will keep on doing regarding circuses with animals. If legitimately excersising our freedom of expression will result in 'stopping your entertainment' it's not our problem. There are millions of other types of entertaintmen, including Circuses without animals, that are enjoyed without abusing creatures with feelings.

@c.camilleri
No, I can promise you we WILL NOT complain about guide dogs for the blind. Qed thallat il-hass mal-kabocci. We PROMOTE guide dogs for the blind, who unlike animals in circuses, not only help humans who really need them but also live a fulfilling life.

Carlo Laurenti

Dec 8th 2009, 15:53

Mr. Camilleri,

Admitedly I don't know you and have absolutely no idea who you are, but one thing seems to be quite clear.

Apparantly you cannot distinguish the difference between a domestic annimal and a wild one! .......

c.camilleri

Dec 8th 2009, 15:30

I read in the papers that the Community Chest Fund will soon be handling guide dogs to the blind. Will there be any protests from Animals' lovers against this practice? Is it not cruel to condemn a dog to that miserable life? I am sure that the dog given a chance would prefer to enjoy more freedom than being tied to a blind person day and night.

Carlo Laurenti

Dec 8th 2009, 15:26

Wow, Thank you for taking such "good care" of the annimals, what would the world do without such authorities and people like you!!

Don't make us all laugh. Thank God people are not as selfish or stupid as you would like them to be! If you really had a great concern for the animals, especially the tropical and wild ones you would not keep them in a cage!!

Lets all hope that this show attracts a poor response as people use their good sense and refuse to see tigers being forced to run around a ring!!

Carlo Laurenti

Karl Schembri

Dec 8th 2009, 15:23

Dear Mr Zammit,
How about putting you in a cage and getting someone to say you were "well cared for"?

J Farrugia

Dec 8th 2009, 15:21

@ Franco farrugia - Dont interfere with our pleasures. You dont have a monopoly on loving animals. Even I love them when I see them in a circus.

J Farrugia

Dec 8th 2009, 15:19

@Moira Delia - You don't have anything to teach any of us. So stop meddling. Live your life and let others live theirs.

Joe Xuereb

Dec 8th 2009, 15:17

If I ran a marathon (as if!), was not particularly breathless other than what one would expect, did not fall once so no breakages, no sprains - if I went to my doctor for him to tell me if I am healthy or not, quite understandably he'd say I was a hypochondriac, a time-waster, his and mine and he run me out of town, to Blata L-Bajda. Likewise, a vet normally only sees sick animals. These vets here are invited in just to see the animals are healthy when even I, not a vet, can attest to their health just by looking at them. Their health in not in question. It is their mental health that is. Yes, animals suffer stress like humans. I would suggest the circus get more artistes, as in bipeds and give the animals a break. And rename the circus, Circo dell'Umanismo (but not Cirque du Soleil - you'd be had for 'plagiarism).
Times please note. A fundamental part of 'well-caring for an animal' - your title, not mine - is not to subject them to ANY stress. We can try fundamental tactics on human who can accept such or do a runner. Animals are 'chained'.

chris mizzi

Dec 8th 2009, 15:15

Trained by pain, Confined in Awful Conditions, A Life in Captivity
All for the profit making of JS Productions
SYMBOLIC WALK AGAINST ANIMAL CIRCUSES
Date: Thursday 10th December
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Starting from City Gate, Valletta to Blata l-Bajda
Say NO to animal cruelty! Be there!
For more information visit the Facebook group 'Circus Animal Rights Coalition’

Iosif Galea

Dec 8th 2009, 15:08

PART 2 - YES! Animals should perform in a circus
1. Animals are well looked after in circuses. They have accommodation specially built for them, which allows them to live a more natural life. Many circuses have large exercise areas for animals and some even have swimming pools for them. Vets visit circuses on a regular basis to check that the animals are happy and well.
2. All of the animals in circuses are looked after and trained to perform by specialists who have studied animal behavior. Performing animals are trained in the same way that you might train your puppy at home. Animals are encouraged to do tricks by giving them treats when they get things right. These treats are food and lots of praise from their trainers.
3. Circuses are magical places and animals are part of that magic. Performing lions, tigers, elephants, horses and other animals add to our enjoyment of the circus experience. Some circuses have stopped using animals altogether, these aren't circuses, they are just shows that can be seen in any theatre in the land. When the circus rolls into town everyone knows they are in for a truly magical experience.

Iosif Galea

Dec 8th 2009, 15:04

PART 1 - PETA's Dirty Secret

Hypocrisy is the mother of all credibility problems, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has it in spades. While loudly complaining about the "unethical" treatment of animals by restaurant owners, grocers, farmers, scientists, anglers, and countless other Americans, the group has its own dirty little secret.

PETA allegedly kills animals. By the thousands.

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petasdirtysecret.cfm

Claire Busuttil

Dec 8th 2009, 15:01

@Mr.Zammit (JS Promotions), stop taking us all for a ride, by saying that animals are well cared for!!!! It is simply NOT TRUE, and everyone, with a bit of IQ, knows this.
Circus, is a traumatic thing for animals, only if we mention the fact that these animals will always be travelling in long journeys, closed in a caravan, not to mention, the amount of stress put on them, to perform, in exercise, which do not form part of their nature. This is pure human cruelity towards animals, and nothing more.......ahh yes, and money generating activity for people like you!!!
NO to Circus.

moira delia

Dec 8th 2009, 14:55

Silvio stop trying to manipulate the public!!We are far from stupid!!! By providing these veterinary certificates you are not going to impress me nor the public.These certificates only prove that these animals carry no diseases or infections, and not that they are psycologically healthy.The same certificates do not prove that these animals are happily locked up in cages for all their lives,or happy with the cruel methods being used to force them to perform tricks that are against their nature, transported from one country to another continuously and kept far away from their natural habitat.
I am sure it would be easy to provide a healthy medical certificate to any person that has been tortured and kept behind bars for a number of years.This does not mean that he hasnt been psigolically affected.
Finally, shame on the authorities for allowing Animal circuses to perform in Malta.

Franco Farrugia

Dec 8th 2009, 14:49

Part 2:
- 'performed regularly in Italy and abided by Italian and EU regulations on care of the animals.' Again, please do not insult our intelligence: the fact that they perform in Italy does not, naturally, mean that the animals are not being badly treated in the way of training! Italy, with all due respect, is not a fine country to speak about animal rights, as is Malta! Similarly, Italian and EU regulations are not all that animal-centred and they are more man-centred!

Again, I reiterate the fact that forcing the animals to journeys for half the year is not a good way of showing how much one cares for the animals.

Journalists cannot judge whether animals are being subjected to harshness and cruelty: today, you don't inflict pain on an animal - or on a human being, for that matter! - through blows and production of blood, but also through other means of stress and electronic punishment. Sometimes, even a constant whistle, inaudible to humans, is enough to send an animal berserk and bring it to an unnatural submission!

Dear animal-lovers, it all boils down to one thing: if you respect animals, do not go to the Circus.

Franco Farrugia

Dec 8th 2009, 14:43

I am an animal-lover and therefore, my primary concern is the wellbeing of the animals within the circus.
In Malta, naturally, all animal-lovers will claim that a visiting circus with animals is a venue where there are stressed animals, animals that are victims of man's cruelty and avarice. And I say this because in order for a circus to reach Malta, the animals contained in it have to cross the Mediterranean and this journey naturally brings with it hardship for the animals. Animals are cooped up in limited space, in the hold of the ship; sometimes, the sea is inclement and that causes more hardship for the animals. This, alone - but there are other reasons!!! - should keep those people who claim that they love animals, to stay away from the circus because they should not encourage these people to visit our islands again.
- A vet who supervised the animals: well, we know that there are vets who would say and do anything about animals, especially since they are in the pay of the circus itself.
- A Maltese government vet also ... : Pleasseeeeeeee, we know who is bringing the Circo to Malta and the connections!

G.Pisani

Dec 8th 2009, 14:24

Hmm, all I could see are wild animals in very very small cages. How can you say the animals are happy? Healthy does not mean they are happy!. Mr.Zammit, I hope you are enjoying the money that these poor animals are making for you.

S. Zammit

Dec 8th 2009, 14:17

Less precious parking spaces in Blata l- Bajda because of the circus. Could the authorities assign a more appropriate place instead of a parking area?????