Circus animals 'betrayed' by new report

2007-11-22

Felix Lowe, Telegraph.co.uk

Animal conservation groups today hit out at a Government report which failed to recommend a ban on using wild animals in circuses. 'Little evidence' for circus animal ban, says report.

Two frontline animal and wildlife charities said the Circus Working Group's report, which was published yesterday, "betrayed" suffering circus animals.

The Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare, said the report showed "complete disregard" to the bare minimum standards for keeping wild animals in captivity.

The report also ignored the overwhelmingly strong public opinion that is in favour of a ban, the charity said.

Born Free, who had an advisory role on the welfare sub group of the CWG, said it had submitted "substancial evidence" to show that the needs of wild animals could not be met in a travelling circus environment.

The report, however, concluded that there was "little evidence" that the welfare of animals kept in travelling circuses was any better or worse than that of animals kept in other captive environments.

But Born Free claims the CWG was instructed to disregard performance and training, two defining features of a circus animal's life.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Born Free strongly believes that the needs of a wild animal in a circus are at least the same as those in a zoo, and it is clear that the minimum standards devised for zoos cannot be met by travelling circuses. Consequently the only way to promote the welfare of wild animals is to ban their use in circuses."

The RSPCA, which also formed part of the welfare sub group, has echoed Born Free in calling for an outright ban.

Dr Rob Atkinson, RSPCA head of wildlife science, said: "Having tigers jump through hoops and bears ride bicycles does nothing to educate the public or foster respect for animals. These pathetic activities belong to a bygone age.

"Circus animals are kept for most of the time in close confinement, in abnormal social groups, exposed to forced movement, human handling, noise, vibration, and cage motion.

"Allowing the use of wild animals in circuses to remain lawful would be completely against the spirit of the Animal Welfare Act - and would be a travesty," he said.

Both charities fear that if the Government accept the findings of the report, it will be reneging on its stated intention to ban certain species of wild animals in travelling circuses.

Will Travers, CEO of the Born Free Foundation, said: "Born Free is deeply concerned that if the recommendations of the report are taken forward by Government, the distressing way in which wild animals are repeatedly transported around the country and housed in inadequate enclosures that do not sufficiently provide for their needs will not be addressed in any meaningful way.

"We are calling on the Government to make good their stated promise and to uphold the spirit of the Animal Welfare Act by bringing an end to the outdated and unacceptable practice of using wild animals in circuses."

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn praised the work of the CWG on Tuesday.

He said: "We will consider the report's findings carefully. I fully acknowledge that there is a strong body of opinion, both in Parliament and amongst the wider public, in favour of a ban.

"The Government will now want to hear reactions to the report and consider its position."