A grouping of animal welfare associations this afternoon said it was deeply disappointed over comments made by the Director of Animal Welfare that the use of wild animals in a circus did not constitute animal cruelty.

"The Circus Animal Rights Coalition surely did not expect such a shallow interpretation of animal rights and welfare to come from the main national entity which is supposed to safeguard the welfare of animals. It is clearly the case that Dr. (Mario) Spiteri has decided to make a very shallow and mistaken comparison between the life of domestic animals, such as cats and dogs and that of wild animals which are utilised in circuses"

The coalition said it went totally against the basic nature and instincts of wild animals, like tigers, elephants and alligators, to be forced to perform in circuses solely for human's ‘entertainment' purposes, especially since such animals were often forced to learn ‘tricks', through punitive treatment such as electric shocks and beatings.

It was also cruel for such wild animals to have to endure such long distance travelling to the performance destination enclosed in minute containers and forced to spend their whole lives captive inside small cages.

"All this means that, even if the conditions inside the circus are acceptable, the fact remains that keeping wild animals captive and forced to perform in stressful situation results in psychological and physical torture leading to cruel and abusive treatment."

The coalition will hold a protest walk against the use of animals in circuses tomorrow from City Gate to the Circus at Blata l-Bajda at 6 p.m.

See also

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091209/local/circuses-not-cruel-to-animals-says-animal-welfare-director