Released to press on 09 February 2012
Animal welfare charity OneKind, formerly Advocates for Animals, has welcomed East Ayrshire Council’s decision to ban animal circuses from its land.
Four years ago the Council decided not to allow circuses with wild animals to rent its parks or public spaces, and has now extended the ban to cover domesticated animals (horses, dogs and birds) as well. OneKind has spent several years pressing local authorities across Scotland to ban circuses that use animals of any kind.
Bobby Roberts and Zippo’s animal circuses have visited Kilmarnock regularly in recent years, however in future only circuses using human performers will be permitted to rent land from the Council.
Libby Anderson, acting CEO of OneKind, was accompanied by local supporter Maureen Rankin, who has campaigned tirelessly to keep this issue in front of the Council and who was also delighted with the result.
Libby Anderson said: “We have no objection to circuses, when the performers are willing humans. Non-animal circuses are becoming increasingly popular, and for that reason we hope that Kilmarnock will be able to welcome a circus like Zippo's in future, with its spectacular human acts. But we don't think Kilmarnock would miss seeing horses standing on their hind legs, or budgies pulling little caravans across a table.
"The Council's existing policy reflects the widespread public view that it is unethical to impose stress, unnatural conditions and, in some cases, outright cruelty on sentient animals, simply in the name of entertainment. Unfortunately these concerns are not confined to wild animals and we very much welcome today’s recognition of that fact."
OneKind addressed the Council and informed them of the frequent, extended travelling times that all circus animals undergo. Horses and ponies, normally social and gregarious animals, are confined on lorries for long periods, and once in their stable tents are often tightly tethered in their stalls.
The Councillors were reminded of recent news coverage of shocking examples of the habitual abuse of circus animals. A recent exposé showed aged, arthritic Anne the elephant being beaten and abused in the Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus. Domesticated animals are also just as vulnerable to abuse and harsh treatment as wild animals.
While circus operators maintain such cruelty is an exception rather than the norm, most experts agree that it is impossible to teach wild animals to perform tricks in the circus ring without using cruel methods, such as whips, hooks and goads.
The Scottish Government has said it is minded to introduce a complete ban on animal circuses and is due to announce its decision soon. The UK Government remains under pressure, including from the majority of its own backbenchers, to bring in a ban.
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For further information please contact Fin Robertson at OneKind on 0131 225 6039 or 07590 428845. fin.robertson@onekind.org
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