Protest outside circus - libel suits filed over cruelty claims

J.Camilleri

Dec 26th 2009, 09:59

The same old story whenever a circus steps on the island. JUST DON"T GO AND SHUT UP !

Odette Chetcuti

Dec 19th 2009, 21:22

In reply to comment by AnnMarie Pawley ....Of course Moira Delia is aware about the fact that so many products are being tested on animals. In fact she is always in search of products which are not being tested on animals ...for her health and beauty she seeks Cruelty Free products and I am a true testimonial of this value which she treasures immensely.......so let us not side-track from the real issue now............Moira Delia came out to protest because of the tremendous love she has for the animal kingdom......thank you Moira for providing a voice to our four-legged friends!!!!!!

AnnMarie Pawley

Dec 18th 2009, 17:37

Does Ms. Delia use medicine, shampoo, make-up etc? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that most of these are tested on animals, which I think is much cruel than keeping them in cages. When will she start a protest against this?

adrian aquilina

Dec 18th 2009, 17:30

http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com/bound-babies.asp?c=923fs this link will show pictures of elephants being trained in the circus,tied up,given electric shocks,beaten..taken by a whistleblower at the circus..if you think this is ok then you are not fit to be part of any society

G. Bencini

Dec 16th 2009, 17:25

@ J. Calleja
I am very happy to answer your questions:
1. Yes, I have a dog and cats at home
2. They are not my captives
May I remind you that both dogs and cats are domestic animals and abandoning them to their fate by leaving them free to roam the roads would mean condemning them to death, either through starvation or traffic accident. Moreover neither my dog nor my cats are locked in cages or forced to stand on their hind legs in order to get a round of applause.
How can we compare dogs or cats to elephants, crocodiles or tigers? The latter are wild animals and hence should be left to live in their natural environment. A circus surely does not offer such an environment.

Fabien Sant Fournier

Dec 14th 2009, 17:12

thanks for the link Fernandez, now if we could only stop these ignorant people to quit turning a blind eye and actually watch it!

A. Fernandez

Dec 13th 2009, 23:46

The animals may not have a voice of their own... I suggest that those who haven't, watch a show called Earthlings. (Not for the faint of heart)

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

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

claire palmer

Dec 13th 2009, 21:42

erm...excuse me but 1 i dont eat meat and 2 even if i did, mux ha noqod niftahar zgur. dan mux apposta ed jamel tajd...nahseb aqta kemm ihobbom lannimalli...anka fil comment ta qabel kiteb ax ha mur nikol steak...mux parioli zejjed dak hi... im not exaggerating i jus dont like people makin fun of the misfortune of animals, dead OR alive!!

isabella peresso Fiorentino

Dec 13th 2009, 20:50

To all of you who are condemning the protesters - remember, those animals have no voice, they cannot tell us what goes on behind the glamour, how frustrated and depressed they are do they? Thats why we protest, to give them a voice and nothing else !!

As for you, A P Sciberras - These animals are beautiful in the wild - where they belong and not chained and cooped up in cages all their lives . If you want to appreciate thier real beauty, watch them on National Geographic where they are filmed in the wild - like I do.

J.Grech

Dec 13th 2009, 19:46

@ Claire Palmer........inti haj tieklu il-fenek? now you're really exaggerating it......im against cruelty to animals, but please do not debate the natural food-chain. We're speaking about wild animals being confined to a circus and not about chicken or rabbits or beef or turkey......il-festi t-tajba, nahseb kulhadd fuq is-sopop u l-minestri qieghed bhal daz-zmien!!! u ddahkux.

claire palmer

Dec 13th 2009, 17:10

issa...ed jiftahar ax sejjer jikol fenek mejjet...u le... unbelievable ta vera! tkomplux tkellmuh ax vera al xej... da kaz mitluf u jkolli najd ed jihu pjacir b;lattenzjoni.

mary abdilla

Dec 13th 2009, 17:03

@ mark Pace...kif torqod bil lejl ajdli!! jina ma mortx il protesta ax kont ma niflahx pero vera proset il dawk kolla li marru u forsi xi darba jitalmu daw il madoffi ta nies. xi dwejjaq jahasra

jean abela

Dec 13th 2009, 16:10

ignore him claire and wendy..i for one applause you for going to the protest and dont take any notice what losers say. let him waste his money on the abuse and mistreat of such beautiful animals. it is USELESS trying to talk sense into some people. its not that they dont know that its cruel, its that they just dont care.

mark pace

Dec 13th 2009, 12:30

@wendy mamo...if im so pathetic and not worth answering why do you keep replying to my posts? And u are gonna open my eyes? to what? is a youtube video gonna open my eyes? regarding balls or no balls...not even worth answering....
@clare palmer.....enough said....my daughter wont jump through hoops of fire but she already has more respect than you could fathom. For her to do stupid things i can always enroll her in your society for the cruelty against animals. the same society that turns a blind eye to domestic animals kept in small apartments,birds kept in cages,horse racing. these are the things you should be protesting about. But then again,you probably left your balls in blata l-bajda!!! ta ta.....fenkata today!! ooops sorry....tofu is less cruel!! ha ha...SUPER PATHETIC!!!!

claire palmer

Dec 13th 2009, 10:43

hey mark pace why dont you make your daughter jump through hoops of fire and do stupid things? when she doesnt obey whip her. and when shes not performing keep her locked up in a cage. but dont forget to wash her and brush her hair so she will look healthy

wendy mamo

Dec 13th 2009, 10:41

well, like i said before MARK PACE people like you are not worth talking to. ur the perfect example of closed minded. u've already made ur mind up that circuses are ok despite all the online videos there are. why dont you show your daughter a few of them clips before taking her to the circus?? or hasn't daddy got the balls? PATHETIC !!! regards to my unborn offspring, one thing i can say for sure is IF i ever do have children they will grow up to RESPECT animals. but since ur so boring and run out of ideas for you something like the circus really is fantastic...then keep going, i cant stop you...i tried to open ur eyes, but like i said before with some 'people' its just too late!!! hope its worth it though...........

mark pace

Dec 12th 2009, 21:28

@wendy @jean.....well im sorry if having a different opinion to you causes a whirlpool in your digestive system. I stand by what i said and for that matter i never insulted anyone. I have a right to speak my mind just like you do. If you want to protest about animal cruelty then you should take a leaf out the creatures you choose to defend. Show some class,dignity and respect. as regards my daughter im sure she'll have more intelligence and class than any offspring you could produce. anyways, my fillet is ready and im hungry. then i'll take my dog for a walk in the cold on a leash. Can i do that? or does that constiute animal cruelty? ha ha...get a life,then live it!

gaffarena joseph

Dec 12th 2009, 19:54

Hawn tant f Malta fejn nipprotestaw kontra il mohqrija vera ta annimali,hemm bzonn nistennow il kummidja.
Jien wiehed minn dawk li inhobb l annimali,u ma nara xejn hazin li circus ikun hemm l annimali
biex iferrhu li tfal.
Ghallfejn ma tmorrux u tejnu lill santwarji ta l annimali li tant ghandom bzonn ghajnuna ,fejn hemm nuqqas kbir ta volontira,mela intom tajjbin biss biex tipprotestaw.

claire palmer

Dec 12th 2009, 18:16

well, when the 'director of animal welfare' mario spiteri swaps lives with these animals i will then consider going to one of the shows. in the mean time i will keep on protesting against this animal cruelty!!! no animal deserves to be locked up in a tiny cage and travelled around the world in tiny confided spaces or forced to perform. i am an animal lover and dont just claim to be one when it suits me! hipocrits in my opinion are the worst people...and its people like them who make me love animals more than humans....I am truly ashamed !! i thought he of all people would stick up for these animals not go against their freedom...im disgusted actually

jean abel

Dec 12th 2009, 17:58

@ MARK PACE..well said WENDY MAMO.. lest just hope that his daughter will have more sense and more respect towards animals when shes older..people like you truly make me sick...literally!!! after watching some clips on how these poor animals are treated and trained, your comment made me feel sick to the bone.why dont you consider teaching your daughter the value of human and animal rights!! its people like you who make me love animals more than human beings! THEY DONT HAVE A VOICE!! WE NEED TO SPEAK OUT FOR THEM. WELL DONE TO ALL THOSE WHO WENT TO PROTEST!! whats it gonna take for people to open their eyes and realize that ANIMAL CIRCUS = ANIMAL CRUELTY! how would you feel if your children were locked up and beaten with whips to obey? how would feel mark pace eh ???

Schevon Debono

Dec 12th 2009, 17:31

@ Pierre Ciantar...U said, could you please let everyone decide for themselves?? Yes of course..... we all have rights..... you have the right to choose if you want to go to the circus. Many have the right to disagree with your choice, no?? The animals....do they have rights???the right to not want to be kept in cages and perform for you??? they dont!!! they dont speak and people like you dont listen and imagine to what they might be feeling so to all the ones who protested against the animal circus... WELL DONE for using your rights to speak out for the animals!!

Austen Lennon

Dec 12th 2009, 13:11

Well done all you protesters. Some 10 years ago I led a campaign to ban animal circuses over here in Northern Ireland. It took 4 years to implement and eventually the ban was put in place on local Council property. Now 10 years later the animal circuses has stop using animals in it's performances and is still making money.

Animal circuses are cruel by the very fact that they use means to train their animals which you would not use on a domestic pet. They are also cruel because they keep wild animals in conditions which they were never meant to be in and they continually travel with these same animals.

Next time you get a chance ask the curcus owner what he or she does with the animals which are no longer of any use. I did and discovered that they were either killed or sent to soem 4th rate zoo in Albania.

Keep up the good fight - you will win as no one, who cares about their children, wants their children to watch animals being degraded.

Frances Abela

Dec 12th 2009, 10:45

c camilleri- what have police dogs, guide dogs and cat and dog shows to do wa circus??? Police and Guide dogs are trained to be of service for the community and dogs and cats only do one day in a show and they don't get smacked with whips or made to go through fire hoops or other such stupid things. Anyone with eyes to see can see how well cared for they are not like the circus animals, what life is it for a tiger to spend in a cage all day everyday except for a couple of hours each evening to be gawked at doing silly things??

Allajbierek kif hadd ma ipprotesta fuq it tigra tal mosta li qeda go mahzen?? kif hadd ma ipprotesta fuq post fejn hemm hafna annimali f enclosures ghal wirjiet mill pubbliku?? biex tipprotesta trid tkun konsistenti ghax ghalhekk ma jkunx hemm kredibitlita! Mela fejn irridu noqodu kwieti u fejn irridu naghmlu kjazz shih.

claire palmer

Dec 12th 2009, 10:33

if you wanna watch wild animals at their best go to africa...if you cant afford a safari trip...eq TOUGH LUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!

wendy mamo

Dec 12th 2009, 10:30

@ AP SCHIBERAS- you wrote: aren't they all suppressing freedom of fellow citizens?
Let all these poeple protest, but at the same time let us all enjoy the circus show!

so from what im gathering you believe that everyone should do what they want and be free...ALL EXCEPT THE ANIMALS???? HOW COULD YOU BE SO SELFISH??dont they deserve to be free as well?? why should these poor animals be FORCED to perform in these inhumane ways just so some can go &watch their show???you truly should be ashamed of yourself!! watch the link and ask yourself...IS THIS OK?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CmD-8AS9n4&feature=PlayList&p=E26FE4DBD82EDB71&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=17
@mark pace...lol honestly, im not even going to bother with you! for some people its just too late.i only hope your daughter will have more sense than her father when she grows up and gets old...

Charmaine Marmara'

Dec 12th 2009, 10:16

@ mark pace. Good for you if thats the only way you know how to have a great time with your daughter.

mark pace

Dec 12th 2009, 09:38

just to let you all know.ive been to the circus and i had a great time.so did my daughter. in fact we might go again!

A P Sciberras

Dec 11th 2009, 20:55

@R. Gatt - What does looking after my kids have to do with circus animals? I am being asked why am I so insensitive to animals, while R Gatt is being insensitive to parenthood, or maybe he/she has no idea of parenthood if he/she is suggesting cracking whips on kids. Live and let live. Haven't we had enough of such people protesting there, not wanting that.....aren't they all suppressing freedom of fellow citizens?
Let all these poeple protest, but at the same time let us all enjoy the circus show!

Gabriel Fava

Dec 11th 2009, 18:13

2. Whether subjected to barbaric cruelty or not, wild animals in circuses are held in a restrictive environment without their proper needs being met, without the benefit of minimum animal welfare standards. The evidence of poor welfare in circuses may not always be so direct as finding an animal covered in wounds, or witnessing a beating. Without the proper awareness of what constitutes the needs of animals and the propoer assessment of their welfare; and without training in the issues involved, poor animal welfare may be overlooked.

For these very reasons, governments around the world are increasingly recognizing that circuses simply cannot meet the most basic requirements of wild animals, and that the use of animals in circuses.is an outdated and irreconcilable concept within a modern society. Countries including Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and Sweden all have restrictions on the use of wild animals in circuses, while Austria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Israel and Singapore have banned the use of all wild animals in circuses.

Gabriel Fava

Dec 11th 2009, 18:13

1. While the intention of the Director General of Veterinary Affairs and the representatives of the Dept of Animal Welfare may be to identify and prosecute clear cases of animal abuse, suffering and cruelty, this does not fully address animal welfare. For example, absence of direct abuse does not imply the presence of adequate animal welfare. Good physical health and the presence of adequate food and water, while important, do not fully constitute a guarantee of adequate animal welfare. This important distinction is underpinned by the crucial question of whether an animal can be said to be freely able to express its natural instincts in its living environment. Research has shown that keeping wild animals in cramped conditions, in inadequate and unnatural social environments and subjecting them to repeated travel causes heightened stress responses that result in a serious negative impact on animal welfare.

Although captive-bred wild animals, like many wild born but abused and socialized animals, cannot often be returned and survive in the wild, they are still wild animals with the same inherent needs and evolved behavioural repertoire as a wild-living relative.

Horbach Malevolic

Dec 11th 2009, 17:30

@ R. Gatt: One doesn't need to imagine what goes on behind the scenes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdt-RBbmiyE

Kenneth Cassar

Dec 11th 2009, 16:37

Note: My last comment was posted several hours before the one preceding it was published.

Pierre Ciantar

Dec 11th 2009, 15:42

To all those who want to ban the circus:
Could you please just let everyone alone to decide what to do by himself. The protest was a real discrimation towards those parents and kids who enjoys such a circus. What about dogs in clothes!!!! or cats in buggies, don't tell me thay were meant to be kept like that. What about Sea World and other big parks around the world. Do you think they harm animals? I can assure that they don't. Show us facts that this circus harms, drugs etc.. the animals if you have any clues. Then protest........

wendy mamo

Dec 11th 2009, 15:26

@ nicola said...why dont you go play with your dolls?? you need some growing up xbin eh... you give them a 10 out of 10? ija hi...proset...now why dont you go on youtube and see some clips of HOW they train these poor animals??

A. Fernandez

Dec 11th 2009, 14:57

@ J.Calleja "These animals are born and live in captivity . They are not born in wild and captured. "

That's the same as saying that it's ok for people who are born into slavery to remain as slaves.

RJ Costigan

Dec 11th 2009, 14:54

To all those who went to protest at the circus.

Are you going yo protest outside the Police Cavalry Section in Marsa?
Or at the Police dog's section in Mosta?
Or at the Marsa Racecourse?

These are all doing good things by learning their pets against criminals.
Are you against learning a horse for sports like they do at Marsa?
I haven't seen none of you protesting against animal lovers who bring their
pets at a certain vet and let their pets do their needs in the roundabout in
Hamrun for the detriment of residents.

Please leave everyone do his job. I have the same right as you have to go
and enjoy myself at the CIRCUS. And by the way I also take my nephews.

Anni Camilleri

Dec 11th 2009, 14:04

Mhux ekk, blame the famous people who get awareness of rights to our islands!!! mela you dont watch Sky news??
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Circus-Violence-Elephants-At-Great-British-Circus-Are-Secretly-Filmed-Being-Beaten/Article/200908315364790?lid=ARTICLE_15364790_CircusViolence:ElephantsAtGreatBritishCircusAreSecretlyFilmedBeingBeaten&lpos=searchresults

see how they are treated!!! of course they are left to starve to do tricks.... mela the owner wants to fool you all and say they are well kept!! c'mon! u tell your dog to sit before you give him a treat after all! imagine the circus!!!

well done moira!! although they give you hassles, i admire you for showing whats real!!!

A. Fernandez

Dec 11th 2009, 13:55

@ Iosif Galea: Is "PETA is evil" the only thing you have to say?

Condemning an entire movement because of some things some members (may)have done is like condemning all religions because of the actions of some radical members of one religious group.

I wonder if Mr. Zammit realises what he has let himself in to? I think this libel suit is a joke but actually not a laughing matter.

Horbach Malevolic

Dec 11th 2009, 13:49

....oh and surprise surprise, http://www.petakillsanimals.com/ is a vehicle of the same Center for Consumer Freedom Director of Research.

Horbach Malevolic

Dec 11th 2009, 13:44

@Iosif Galea...Center for Consumer Freedom Director of Research??? Perhaps you should scratch a little under the surface and find out what they're really about. Here, i'll save you the trouble...

Its a lobby group for the tobacco, pesticide, alcohol, fast food and meat industries. Their statements are commercially motivated disinformation campaigns and they admit to as much. Surprised they even got a mention to be honest, they are widely regarded to have been comprehensively discredited.

Horbach Malevolic

Dec 11th 2009, 13:31

@mark pace. There are so many more things wrong with your post i can only suggest that you do some research on what circus training involves, sanctuaries which take on animals from abused backgrounds and perhaps some moral alternatives to the notion of man as lord of all creation.
Sniffer dogs cannot be compared to wild animals being regularly beaten to perform tricks going against their natural behaviour (whether born in captivity or not their needs and behaviours are innate) while living out years of misery in small cages with not even a remote semblance to the existence they would have in the wild. If circuses had indeed moved with the times perhaps we would be watching you performing such ludicrous performances for the delectation of all.

I can assure you, the real story behind circuses is not something you or any individual would find entertaining in the least, and not something your daughter would thank you for implicating her in either.

Kenneth Cassar

Dec 11th 2009, 13:21

Funny how people are allowed to disparage an animal welfare (not animal rights, despite its claim) organisation (which really does kill animals, so I'm not trying to defend them), but then, mention a counter-productive world-renowned libel case instigated by a multinational corporation, and it gets censored.

R. Gatt

Dec 11th 2009, 13:09

@ Mr. Koludrovic - 1000 wrongs will never make up a right one.

R. Gatt

Dec 11th 2009, 12:31

@ A P Sciberras and all those in favour of an animal circus - From your comments I understand that you keep your kids in metal cages and whenever they misbehave or refuse to obey, all you have to do is crack a whip. Why do you claim you have a God given right to watch exotic animals.
Why are you so insevsitive towards animals. Of course I'm against bullfights, bird shooting and any other animal cruelty. Do you think that protests are not organised around the world. What has spain being in the EU got to do with it? Bull fights are bad whether in Spain, Mexico or wherever. The circus and JS productions say that there's no proof that keeping animals in cages and using them for entertainment constituted animal cruelty. I ask them, why exactly is the whip cracked for? Why not just use word of mouth only? Why need a whip during the show? Can one imagine what goes on behind the scenes?

J.Calleja

Dec 11th 2009, 11:07

I have 2 questions for those that protest in front of the circus:
How many of you have a dog or a bird in your home ?
If yes , they are kept in captivity, don't you think so?

For my point of view , cruelty towards animals is the way we take care of them. These animals are born and live in captivity . They are not born in wild and captured.

Joanne Vassallo Santucci

Dec 11th 2009, 11:01

Nowadays might is right. What is the idea behind filing a libel suit over cruelty claims made by so and so !!!!! Is this the modern way of attacking back and trying to scare away someone who supposedly is free to express his/her views and oppinions???? And hello!!! Ms Moira must be moving in the right direction because many people believe she is and fully support her. Indeed, a real animal walfarist with gutts. A lady who does not shy away to make animal cruelty issues aware to all of us. What is wrong with speaking for those who cannot defend themselves?? With regards to the circus, i am sure that those who hold different beliefs from Moira, will still visit the circus as they please. That some people who have no feelings for animals will still continue to harm them. Let us not exegerate. Could it be true that by watching the way animals are treated in some entertaining places, very young children may eventually develop a less positive treatment towards animals, later on in life?? Much admiration & support towards you Moira. Keep up the good work.

Jackie Laferla

Dec 11th 2009, 10:52

IN THESE DAYS OF CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL AWARENESS AND EDUCATION AND SUCH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, THE IDEA OF A CIRCUS WITH ANIMALS IS TOTALLY OUTDATED. US HUMANS, AS A SPECIES, ARE EVOLVING. .... THEREFORE MANY OF US HAVE REALIZED THAT WE ARE ONE WITH NATURE. NOT SEPARATE. EACH ONE OF US IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS. BE BRAVE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IF IT MEANS CONTRIBUTING TO THE CONSERVATION OF NATURE IN ITS PURE FORM. MOIRA RAISES THIS AWARENESS FEARLESSLY. , ITOO STAND UP FOR THE RIGHTS AND RESPECT OF ALL ANIMALS. I DONT EVEN EAT THEM. MY ANCESTORS, THE CAVEMEN, USED TO EAT THEM. I LIKE TO THINK I HAVE EVOLVED A LITTLE... ALL ANIMALS DESERVE A DIGNIFIED LIFE, LIKE WE DO. THE ATROCIOUS MISERABLE LIVES OF CHICKENS AND RABBITS IN CAGES, PIGS IN TIGHT PENS, BOVINE ABODES IS JUST AS BARBARICALLY CRUEL AS TIGERS AND LIONS IN CAGES AND ZOOS AND ELEPHANTS CHAINED UP ALL THEIR LIFE. SO START WITH YOURSELF BEFORE JUDGING OTHERS. STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT FOR ANIMALS AS THE ONLY VOICE THEY HAVE IS NOT THEIR ROAR, OR THEIR CACKLE, OR THEIR SNORT BUT YOUR VOICE. BE HEARD. TAKE ACTION. GO, MOIRA, GO!!!

Kenneth Cassar

Dec 11th 2009, 10:24

J S Productions should have studied the McLibel case before proceeding with their own libel suits. They might have realised that it could backfire (like it did in the McLibel trial).

Think about this: If they lose the case, we will have a court confirmation that circuses are cruel to animals.

Claire Debattista

Dec 11th 2009, 09:58

@ Franco Farrugia
prosit, ma nistax ngħaqbel iktar miegħek !!

u ma nistax nifhem kif għad hawn nies li ma jifhmux kif annimali eżotiċi bħat tigra mhux qiegħdin fid-dinja biex jagħmlu ħajjtihom ġo gaġġa u jitbellħu għan nies ġo ċirku !! iva, dik krudelta ħarxa wkoll !! min irid jara dat tip t'annimali, jmur safari !!

l.mangion

Dec 11th 2009, 09:55

Well done Ms Sciberras and Ms Delia!! Two great and courageous women who have DONE something about this pathetic issue on animal cruelty in Malta.
Ms Sciberras, with you, Malta's education authority has finally made a significant and long-longed for step towards distinguishing between entertaining education and cruel entertainment. Don't let this accusation stop you from the honorable thing you have started doing.
Why should someone as Ms Delia get accused of voicing what everyone feels is wrong? Why should she be accused because she has a heart and guts to speak up for the innocent and voiceless?
Animals are to be protected. They are the loveliest creations God (or whoever one believes in) has rewarded this world. They are a gift, and to many the loveliest thing on earth but sometimes I wish they were never created in the first place cos all they have been for, through the ages, was for suffering, exploitation and hardship. Man is a coward bully...using the innocent and voiceless for his purposes and convenience.

Yes, let's start a movement against the libel!! Ms Sciberras and Ms Delia, you won't believe how many signatures you will get in your favour! Just start it!

NIcola Said

Dec 11th 2009, 09:50

Kindly note that Mr. Frans Said has no connection whatsoever with JS Productions.

Being one of the viewers of the first show, i give a perfect 10. Show was amazing.

Well done.

Nicola Said

J. Debattista

Dec 11th 2009, 09:29

Most Maltese tourists when going abroad visit the country's Zoo (ex. UK) just because here in Malta we are deprieved of such a thing (These zoo's have so called wild animals in captivity). So why is that every time there's such an event in Malta it's always d same? I am not contrary to peaceful protests but pls protesters respect also the opinion of those persons who like to attend these events once they know that the animals are not harmed but are in perfect health. In Malta hundreds of people go to the SOUTH (no name mentioning) in order to enjoy the animals in captivity. Every person who visited this place know that the animals are well taken care of and look happy in their new 'home'. So why nobody say anything about this place? I think because we know that these animals are not only in perfect health but also they are of great importance. I enjoy myself taking my daughter to such places, as long as I know that animals are healthy, safe and well taken care of.

Joseph Borg

Dec 11th 2009, 09:27

Get a life!!! xi dwejjaq ta pajjiz spicajna!!! kulhadd idejqu kollox! jekk nar, jekk marc, jekk armar tal festi, jekk kacca, jekk insib, u miljun haga ohra. Jiena meta kont zghir l ghena taghna tal iskola jehduna ic-cirklu! x fieh hazin? Fejna il mohqrija tal annimali? Mela ntelqu il klieb u iz-zwiemel dak mhux mohqrija u naqra iljunfant jitla fuq kaxxa jdejjaqna. Kemm sirna dojoq! Min ma jogbux ma jmurx u mhux kull min diehel ic-cirku nobligawh u naghmlulu hajtu mizerja biex intelfulu il-gost! Din id-demokrazzija li niftahru bijha??

mark pace

Dec 11th 2009, 09:15

While I'll be the first to condone any form of cruelty to animals,in any way,shape or form,I fail to see the cruelty in keeping animals that are born and bred in captivity as cruelty. Circuses have been in existance since the 19th Century and they too have progressed with the times.
In my opinion a circus constitutues no more cruelty than keeping a bird in a cage, using sniffer dogs and horse racing.Animals rights activists will claim that these animals are used for the benefit of man. Granted. Isnt entertainment beneficial to man? arent we the masters after all. This is all political correctness gone mad. i grew up visiting circuses and zoos and i still love animals and would do them no harm. in that respect i will be taking my daughter to see up close animals that i would otherwise have to travel across the globe to see. i will also educate her that altough these animals are kept in cages their natural habitat is the wild. since they are born in captivity it is safer and more benefical that they remain so. there is a time and place for everything. Live and let live. full stop.

Iosif Galea

Dec 11th 2009, 09:12

PETA Supporters Have Blood on Their Hands

As Americans learn more about People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and its eccentric founder, Hollywood stars should know the whole story. Despite the well-known animal rights group's $30 million budget, it spends very little actually caring for adoptable animals. Instead, it kills them. By the thousands.
Government records show that between 1998 and 2005, PETA killed more than 14,000 dogs and cats at its Virginia headquarters. (The group refuses to release its 2006 numbers.) In 2005, PETA killed 90 percent of the pets in its care. Some were thrown in trash dumpsters. Most were incinerated. PETA's donors footed the bill.

That's not "ethical." It's hypocritical.

"Ingrid Newkirk runs the most disingenuous animal group on the planet," said Center for Consumer Freedom Director of Research David Martosko. "PETA takes pet lovers' donations with one hand while administering lethal injections with the other."
Martosko continued: "What's next? Will Greenpeace start harpooning whales? Alec Baldwin, Pam Anderson, Alicia Silverstone, and the rest of Tinseltown's finest should think twice before throwing their support behind a compromised, hypocritical group like PETA."

Iosif Galea

Dec 11th 2009, 09:10

@Emanuel Magrin

More proof of animal cruelty in circuses was shown by international organisations such as PETA, HSI and HSUS. Read the following article about PETA and u and Miss Delia will know the truth about what PETA does to animals!!!!!!!!! SHOCKING

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/

Franco Farrugia

Dec 11th 2009, 08:48

@ Carmel Agius: Naqbel mieghek, mela le, fuq il-krudelta' tal-bullfights fi Spanja. Hemm ghaqdiet apposta, Ewropej, li qed jithabtu biex dawn il-bullfights jispiccaw. Imma ahna, il-Maltin li qed nipprotestaw kontra l-annimali fic-Cirklu, x'nistghu naghmlu fuq dan? Tahseb li ahna bhalek, forsi, omnipotenti? Ma nahsibx. U dak li ghedt inti juri li fil-fatt, mhux dak kollu li tapprova l-UE huwa favur l-annimali. Int stess ghedtha u ghal darb'ohra ... ghandek ragun!

philip pace

Dec 11th 2009, 07:56

Perhaps when one defines the word circus, one is led up to the 'games' held at the Arena during the Roman Empire times.
So much butchery of animals took place in the so called games, not to mention the gladiatoral fights, the mass killing of slaves, Roman Empire opposors and the Christians and other non believers as well.
I think that the word circus came from those times and has been going on for centuries till today.

Mr. C. Camilleri is very wrong in his writing and so others who mentioned police dogs who are doing a very important service to the law and order section of our nation.
In these weak arguments one is mixing the various roles of the animals without any proper knowledge.

I would go for a much more balanced kind of ruling. Each animal has to be provided with a pedigree and if that animal has been captured from it's habitat then it has to released.
Other animals who have been born in captivity should have their behaviour closely monitored as it is only through that one has the useful knowledge to see how these animals really and truly behave. And action follows!

Alfred Callus

Dec 11th 2009, 07:36

Mr Franco Farrugia who do you think you are? A self appointed judge to find fault with the official government veterinary head, who accused you of having double standards and making fools of yourselves? Start waking up to realities around you instead of going overboard with your imaginations.

mick gauci

Dec 11th 2009, 07:06

ms delia x differenza hemm bejn parata taz zwiemel go circus u l parata li jkun emm tal puluzija meta johorgu biz zwiemel fit toroq ?? jew x diferenza hemm bejn it tigri li jaqbzfis shows u bej is shows li jamlu l puluzija ta malta bil klieb tahhom ????

C.Caruana

Dec 11th 2009, 06:17

What do you say seeing a tiger enclosed in a space where it cannot move about,restricting it from movement ?Animal kindness?These animals are created to roam about in open forests.If you had a heart just place yourself in the tiger's place and see how you would feel if you were in its placed confined only in a room 4 by 4.The authorities concerned to allow permits for such circuses should think over this matter.Times change and thus should also our mentality change about kindness to animals.It is useless preaching by teachers in schools about good treatment to animals and even organising ANIMAL AWARENESS DAY if the big heads do not set the example first.

Alfred fenech

Dec 11th 2009, 04:19

I will not comment on the merits of the law suits. This is a matter that can be seen as for or against. What I will comment on is why these people once a year have a problem with cruelty to animals when the same can be said for the rest of the year. Whether an anima is domesticated or not should not make any difference. How about complaining about the numerous number of dogs and cats that are made to live in flats and they are never let out? What about those so called domesticated animals that are locked up in dark garages and only taken out for a short walk so that they do not dirty the owners' property? These are owned by locals. Or are some people afraid to complain about their cruel neighbours!!!!!

Emanuel Magrin

Dec 11th 2009, 02:12

MOIRA WE SUPPORT YOU 100%.

More proof of animal cruelty in circuses was shown by international organisations such as PETA, HSI and HSUS.

ALL MEMBERS
Saint Francis Foundation for Animals

Ph. Vella

Dec 11th 2009, 01:56

If it is normal for so much people that animals are kept in cages , I would believe that these people would be of great amusement to others if they end their lives enclosed in cages for all their live like these poor animals !!
Might be then they would understand.

Daniel Schembri

Dec 11th 2009, 01:01

@C. Camilleri and all the others: because you only see this protest at this particular moment in the news, it doesn't mean that people have acted only against the circus, many demonstrations have been done against animal cruelty of different forms. I love circus acts such as acrobats and trapeze artists but the use of animals such as Elephants, Lions etc as a form of burlesque entertainment disgust me. These animals were not meant to stay in small cages and be transported all over the world all year, let alone be trained to be trained to do silly tricks... Visit http://www.circuses.com/ for some information.

A Cremona

Dec 11th 2009, 00:45

Same old story. Same not so young anymore Communist nostalgics in thick greasy hair and 'alternative' clothing protesting against the handling of crocodiles and spiders.

Where were they when students and legitimate protesters were being shot like pigs in the streets of Tehran earlier this year? I don't recall any protest or solidarity march in favour of the millions oppressed by that brutal regime in Iran. Where was Moviment Graffiti in the aftermath of 9/11, the London bombings and the Atocha disaster in Madrid. Did they ever stand up for human rights in Cuba, North Korea, China, Libya or for women's rights in Saudi Arabia etc?

Same old story - they protest only against the US and Britain or in favour of the freedom of movement and liberty of spiders and crocodiles.

No wonder they are one big political irrelevance.

s.Koludrovic

Dec 11th 2009, 00:28

Its a great piety that the mentioned ladies have never taken their pupils for an educational walk visiting some Maltese farms to see the cows and pigs accomodations. Or maybe a trip to a chicken farm and see the free range chickens chirping away in the sunshine . Or a little walk down the Valetta sea front and hear the barking dogs hidden away in dark damp war time shelters.
I assure you Ladies that most circus animals are by far better treated than how some local animals are treated.

sandro pace

Dec 11th 2009, 00:18

I may be talking with ignorance on the subject matter, or I cannot wholly understand the issue. True that animals may not be in their natural environment when part of a circus, but one cannot equate circus 'cruelty' with the saddist voluntary violent one we sometimes see inflicted locally.

Are we not all confined to small spaces when travelling? What about the horses that travel to the olympics competitions? Even some military training on people is not much humane. Like, to be woken up in the middle of the night to cross cold water is no joke, but it is necessary. The guard at buckingham palace spends hours standing still. (dont know how he manage).

I do not think circus animals are underfed or are in bad conditions. I love animals, and I despise any cruelty on them. True that the jungle may be their natural habitat, but nature can also be very cruel, for those who see animals devoured alive on national geographic. I do not know what would I prefer.

Animal welfare groups are admirable, but they'd better be sort of a watchdog on the upkeep of such animals, rather than doing such crusades. IMO.

Brian Chircop

Dec 10th 2009, 23:07

@ R Caruana - What is educational in a visit to a circus?

School / education evolved during recent years.

When you were young the environmental movement / awareness was not as it is today...

One can't deny that these animals suffer and travel in relatively small cages every month

@ Frans Said

Who is ignoring the animals you mentioned? These all have rights ... and several environmental NGO's campaigned in their favor

o mallia

Dec 10th 2009, 22:52

JS Productions, you don’t have to worry man. This is all promotion! Try to make a front page advert on a newspaper! To make such adverts it will cost you thousands of euros ! As I saw this feature I got interested now in circus , and I will be coming to the circus.

Max farrugia

Dec 10th 2009, 22:35

@Anthony Formosa. I can assure you that animal welfare groups are not concerned only with the cruelty involved in circuses, especially behind the scenes. With regards battery chickens which is the right term how to adddress the issue, we have been lobbying for years and managed to bring better conditions. It seems that Mr. Formosa does not know that all the chickens in Malta are brought up in enriched cages or sheds. There have been ongoing campaigns both in Malta and within the EU in which we Maltese groups participate and managed to better the condition of pigs, horses, and sheep during transport and also their living conditions in sheds. May I ask if Mr. Formosa heard about the free range chickens, turkeys, pirgs and cows. These conditions is the fruit of endless campaigns organised all over Europe with our participation included. We believe in the saying United we stand divided we fall and this is why the 27 EU member states co-operate on all animal welfare issues together . Just for your information the new Commissioners, including the Hon. John Dalli have already been contacted by European groups to start talks as soon as they take over.

Isabella Peresso Fiorentino

Dec 10th 2009, 22:35

Is it now a crime to speak the truth???

John Borg

Dec 10th 2009, 22:33

Every European large city has got a zoo with such animals and they are mostly frequented by families and children; why? do they go to see the place or the animals? Then we in Malta haven't got a zoo with tigers etc and as soon as we (and our children) are presented with the opportunity to see these animals locally; there comes someone trying to stop the show.
It's all about tollerance; they have all the right for their opinion but they have no right to impose it on others as far as the doing is within the law parameters.

Max farrugia

Dec 10th 2009, 22:23

Moira I can assure you that all the organistion involved un the coalition will back you and DG Education services on this issue. You have the right to express your feelings in favour of animals in a democratic country. Such things used to happen many years ago in Eastern European Countries. When the libel case commences we will flood you with information including animals being beaten behind teh scenes to be able to prove your case. The same information will go to DG Education services too. Keep it up with the good work and continue to defend the rights of the voiceless.
@carmel aguis When you stated that no one speak against bull fighting it means that you are total cut from reality and what is happening in the animal welfare scene in Europe. only a few weeks ago a formed part of a delegtion which had talks with various MEPs in brussels on this issue.

Martin Spiteri

Dec 10th 2009, 22:10

@all who are complaining about police dogs etc;

police dogs are not kept in space limited cages and travel all around the world. Police trained dogs are in constant human contact. Also, you cannot compare a dog to a wolf, or a cat to a tiger. Cats and dogs have been domesticated for ages, tigers and other wild animals are not exactly.... domesticated animals!

M Williams

Dec 10th 2009, 22:07

http://www.captiveanimals.org/circuses/circus.htm
http://www.circuses.com/
http://www.idausa.org/facts/circusfacts.html
http://www.animalcircuses.com/faqs.aspx

The above are just a few of the sites which expose what really happens in the Circus.There will always be people who choose to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to facing facts lest it impinges on their entertainment. Still the tide is turning and ,hopefully ,the time will come when only non-animal circuses will come to Malta.What was acceptable in the past is no longer acceptable now, otherwise we'd still have gladiators as in Roman times.

The Circus promoters' actions are starting to hint of desperation, are they doing so badly that they need school groups to attend to boost profits. Their attempts to bully people with libel suits to try and shut them up will backfire, many people share Moria Delia's opinion that Circuses are cruel. If we are all wrong, please PROVE to us that it is not cruel to transport animals from place to place several times a year, to keep them confined in small cages and to get them to perform unnatural acts. We will be happy to be proved wrong and to know that the animals' welfare (both physical AND MENTAL) come before profits!

A P Sciberras

Dec 10th 2009, 21:59

I congratulate JS Production for taking the financial risk of bringing over such a well established circus show to our island. If its not for the courageof this organisation, my children would have not have the opportunity to see and probably touch the beauty of these animals, which I have full confidence that they are take care off to the full. We are all looking forward to watch the show. I encourage families especially with young children to attend.

Andre` Schembri

Dec 10th 2009, 21:53

erm asuch nahseb ghandu ikun hemm prijorita mill organizazzjonijiet fuq liema issues huma l-iktar importanti u fuq kemm jista ikunu succesfull il-kampanji li issiru; nahseb il-kampanja tac-cirklu bl-animmali hija importanti hafna kemm ghax ic-cirklu mhuwiex esenzjali li issir bl-animalli, u anka ghax it-tfal minn mindu ikunu zghar nahseb ma ghadomx jiehdu l-impressjoni li animalli huma oggett li qieghed hemm biex jaqdina

apparti li huwa ovja li hafna xoghol (li kultant jiena ma naqbilx mieghu) qed issir in d backround minn organizazzjonijiet differenti; izda ic-cirklu ix-xoghol li irrid issir fuqhu nahseb gahdnu issir fil-publiku habba li l-ahhjar modd kif ic-cirkli bl-annimali jispiccaw huwa li ma ikunux ekonomikament vijabli ...

fuq il-kawzi il-qorti nahseb li huwa sinjal tajjeb lej minn ma jaqbilx ma il-modd kif jigu trattati l-animali fic-cirklu ghax il-JS Production u ic-cirklu stess qed jipprovaw juzaw il-ligi biex jipprovaw issiktu in nies ...

Isabella Peresso Fiorentino

Dec 10th 2009, 21:49

Ara veru m' ghandekx x taghmel Silvio Zammit, taking these two women to court. You seem to have nothing better to do with your money. Or are you panicking because the school directive had a negative impact on this circus of yours? Ms Delia has every right to voice her and many others' opinion. Why shouldn't Ms Delia speak the truth on behalf of those poor animals?

V Caruana

Dec 10th 2009, 21:38

According to Nat.Geo. November 2009 issue there are 4000 tigers in the wild in Asia, 4900 captive tigers in Us and 13000 captive tigers worldwide. A certain Vernon Yates is giving public shows with his 18 tigers at a fee which money goes to help his Rescue and Rehabilitation shelter. These people are the REALLY wildlife lovers and not cat and dogs lover. Ms Delia please contribute financially to WWF. I hope that these protestors do not attend the montecarlo circus where we watch animals "dancing to the music".
In no long time it could be that there will be no tigers left in the wild. Circus coming to Malta shall be the only place where our children shall see a live wild animal (if his family can't afford to visit a zoo overseas).

joe camenzuli

Dec 10th 2009, 21:36

I am one of those that cannot afford to take my niece and nephews to a zoo abroad or faraway places for them to see at first hand these wild animals, so the nearest and cheapest to see these exotic animals is to visit the circus. Nobody has the right to stop me of taking the kids to the circus especially knowing that their wish of seeing a tiger, etc in their lifetime will be accomplished.

Justin Meli

Dec 10th 2009, 21:27

seeing those mothers with those little children going in /out from the circus is disgusting.. how can the world be a better place if mothers keep supporting these things? how can future mothers teach their children about animal welfare?.miskom tisthu

who mentioned spain bull fiighting : yes protests are held regularly

the blame is all on the government and authoroties for not banning permanently the entrance of circuses with animals in the first place. , when the circus attendants came out fiercefully attacking us a couple of years ago .

Joseph Cauchi

Dec 10th 2009, 21:24

I am all for the humane treatment of animals and condemn all sorts of cruelty.

Are we going only agiainst animals in circuses and why not on animals that are kept in confined spaces as already mentioned by some commentators, like cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits etc.. etc…

A national campaign should be orchestrated in order to bring to the fore the serious situation these type of animals, cows, pigs etc… etc… are constantly going through.

All animals should be treated humanly and all of them should be in their natural habitat.

JC.

gillian Lee

Dec 10th 2009, 20:55

It is cruel to have animals in circuses because they are forced to live in an unnatural existence spending most of their time in cages while travelling and at the showgrounds. Training methods range from cruel to extremely cruel depending on the humanity of the animals trainer or ultimately the circus owners. Therefore I vote NO to animals in circus.

c. camilleri

Dec 10th 2009, 20:42

Why every yr the same people give such a hard time to the visiting circus. If they are really concerned about the welfare of animals they should protests against horse racing, trained dogs for the police or for blind persons, dogs and cats' shows, birds in cages, etc.All these animals are not born to live that kind of life. We do not see protesters at the Marsa race course. Of course not. Marsa is not a soft target like the circus people who are not allow to make a living.
Pls stop this nonsense and extremism and use your time for much more important things.

Raymond Sammut

Dec 10th 2009, 20:32

@ Anthony Formosa

One has to make a distinction between domesticated animals in the dairy industry and exotic animals in circuses. The issue here is the latter because it's in relation to "education" value and to publicly expressed opinions to which people are entitled.

Franco Farrugia

Dec 10th 2009, 20:31

@ Anthony Formosa - Perhaps your kind self can explain to us how Moira Delia is 'depriving' your children from 'watching live animals in our country'? You are free to take your children to the circus and be merry, have fun and eat as much popcorn as you like. However, that having been said, you will show how you lack foresight and lack the ability to distinguish between what is good and what is bad, for animals. I, too, do not like animals to be slaughtered; however, maybe, only maybe, the slaughter of animals may be deemed to be a necessity, while the performance of animals in circuses is something we can do without.

Carmel Agius

Dec 10th 2009, 20:27

Krudilta hija il- bull fighing li isier go Spanja kull jum, li id-dinja kollha taf b`dan u hadd ma` jidhadded u jaghmel protesti biex tiqghaf din il- krudilta darba ghal dejjem. Spanja hija ukoll membru talEU.ghal gihna.

Franco Farrugia

Dec 10th 2009, 20:01

I wish to be the first to show my support for Moira Delia as well as for the stand taken by the Education Authorities. Moira, you are in good company!
@ R Caruana - Times change, and priorities also change, when people become more and more conscious of various issues. So, by your token, let's continue eating the unhealthy garbage that used to be eaten because we used to do it, so why not continue? A senseless argument, yours.

J. Borg

Dec 10th 2009, 19:23

it seems that JS Productions and Messrs Said don't know what it means to "shoot oneself in the foot"..........

Anthony Formosa

Dec 10th 2009, 18:39

Ms Delia is depriving my children from watching live animals in our country. Can Ms Delia do the same for chickens kept in close cages with lights to produce eggs. Can she do the same for pigs, cows, etc with no space to roam, perhaps no. WHY?

Raymond Sammut

Dec 10th 2009, 18:31

"The suit against Ms Delia was filed over claims she made on the radio and on PBS, on December 8, during which she said circuses were cruel to animals." This is a widely held view, and expressing one's opinion in regard to animals constrained in small spaces is perfectly acceptable. It is up to those who disagree to explain -- and to convince the general public -- on how constraining an animal and coercing it to perform acts which are unnatural to the animal is not cruelty.

Arthur Peffers

Dec 10th 2009, 18:19

I agree completely with Miss Delia. Wild animals are not born to perform in shows.

Frans Said

Dec 10th 2009, 18:15

How can the so called animal defendants accuse one section whilst ignoring others? I shall only mention a few:
1. Racing horses and tjose with the "sirkin". Have you seen their rigorous training?
2. Police dogs. (yes they are awarded for obeying, but so are circus animal treated)
3. Pets not properly kept or left alone on the roofs
4. the massacre of birds
5. and so many more

Are these not also animals?

R. Caruana

Dec 10th 2009, 18:06

Fondest memories of school outings to the circus when I was young.

Pity our children are not allowed to enjoy the same experience.

Chris Finch

Dec 10th 2009, 18:02

Can someone from JS productions please explain what exactly is educational about a visit to the circus?
They are fueling the fire by continuing this action. I think more people will not now go because of their actions.
Also are they trying to force the schools to visit? I think if they wanted any school to visit now, they would have to offer the seats for free. And I bet they still would not go.

A.Busuttil

Dec 10th 2009, 17:43

Well done Moira, Open a face book to support you

C.Sammut

Dec 10th 2009, 17:25

Ms Delia, Ms Sciberras you should start a round of email addresses and ID numbers of people who will support you in this initiative to present at your court case.