The use of animals in circuses is barbaric, cruel and outdated and we, as a collective community, we are better educated right now, more than ever before. We must put a stop to these torturous 'shows'.
Earlier this week, I visited the animals that were being caged by the circus in Monaco. My heart broke as I watched lions in such cramped conditions that they were almost laying on top of one another, with nowhere else to go. Many were exhibiting behavioural abnormalities.
It is one of the saddest sights of animal cruelty I have witnessed in some time and I cannot walk away from such a sight without taking action.
Have you ever stopped to consider the life of a circus animal? The reality is far from glamorous...
- Chained or caged, forced to live in cramped and totally unsuitable housing
- Unceremoniously hauled from country to country under horrendous transportation conditions, only to be forced to perform once again when they arrive at their new destination
- Regardless of the number of generations that wild animals have been in captivity, captive-born wild animals do not lose their instincts or needs. They retain their natural instincts to socialise and to roam freely - these are denied for their entire lives
- Circuses deny captive-born wild animals of their need to exhibit their natural behaviours often resulting in devestating behavioural traits and depression
In the words of a leading expert - W.J.Jordan OBE, International wildlife expert and founder of the British RSPCA's Wildlife Dept:
"Education has been mentioned as a benefit, but the truth is that circuses only teach children that it is OK to dominate wild animals and make them perform unusual acts. As far as conservation is concerned very, very few elephants are born in circuses. Lions and tigers, on the other hand, produce a surplus which have to be disposed of.
I am sure most people are against the keeping of chimps in circuses. They are our nearest relative with 98% of genes in common. They have a superior short term memory to humans as has been demonstrated recently by researchers in Japan. They can suffer emotionally as much as humans do as I have seen in the circuses I examined. "
Foreign countries have denied the Monte Carlo Circus entrance on the basis of upholding animal welfare to endangered and wild animals, citing violations of legislation in place for the protection of these animals. Specific information re. Lebanon ban here:www.animalslebanon.org/news-a-events/campaigns/58-stop-circus-abuse/405-no-circus-abuse
As well as signing this petition, you can also write to:
Mr. Paul Masseron: Department d'linterieur, Ministere d'Etat, Place de la Visitation, MC 98000, Monaco
Mr. Jean-Charles Curau: Direction des Affaires Culturelles, Le winrter Palace, 4 Boulevard de Moulins, MC 98000, Monaco
Please help.
