Alternattiva Demokratika has reiterated its stand in favour of banning wild and exotic animals from circuses during a meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights, Roderick Galdes.

AD presented Mr Galdes with its proposals on animal circuses, which centred on the issues of transportation, confinement to small spaces and training methods.

Since circuses travel from one country to another continuously, this could lead to high stress levels among a number of animals, which could also bring about their death, AD said.

“It’s a well-known fact that many animals are given sedatives to calm them down during the trip. Many end up spending the majority of their lives under the effect of such substances,” it noted.

We are concerned that animals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve

It also drew attention to space limitation, pointing out that small, domestic animals could comfortably live in small spaces as opposed to larger species, especially those captured in the wild.

Animals such as elephants, giraffes, bears and lions had no place in a circus, AD insisted.

While animals had the ability to learn tricks, some manoeuvres went against their natural instinct. In order to learn such stunts, the animals are often subjected to cruel treatment, such as whipping.

It was acceptable, AD said, for a dog or a parrot to learn certain manoeuvres. However, having an elephant stand upside down on one foot was unacceptable because the animal would be prompted by the fear of being whipped.

AD chairman Arnold Cassola said: “Alternattiva Demokratika is not only concerned about the basic rights and quality of life of all human beings. We are also very much concerned that animals are also treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. People who do not treat animals with respect are also more likely to treat fellow humans with contempt.”

AD called on other stakeholders to continue working towards the necessary amendments of the Animal Welfare Act.

Last year, Greece became the first European country to ban all animals in circuses and the UK government unanimously passed legislation that would lead to a similar ban.