Captivity Denies Most Basic Needs
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

By Chiara Bonello on Independent.com
December 2009

The façade of the circus is a glittering one, but it is this façade that the coalition would like to do away with, so that people may see the cruel world of untold suffering that is hidden behind it.

Even in the most humane conditions, the fact remains that the animals are being kept in captivity, which denies them a most basic right; their freedom, which is priceless, according to the Circus Animal Rights Coalition.

The coalition, made up of 20 different animal rights organisations, was speaking at a press conference to express its disappointment at the decision by JS Productions to bring Circo Fantasy to Malta.

In a protest against cruelty in animal circuses, a protest walk is being organised. The walk leaves from City Gate, Valletta and the people will make their way to the circus area, in Blata l-Bajda. They will also continue to distribute leaflets in Valletta, in a bid to increase awareness.

Although there weren’t huge crowds of people who were attracted to stop and listen to what was being said, a number of passers by accepted leaflets that the coalition was handing out, perhaps for a read-through later.

The coalition said it was also calling on the authorities to refrain from allowing this circus to perform in Malta. They praised a nationwide circular issued by the Director General of the Directorate for Educational Services, asking schools to refrain from visits to animal shows, during school hours.

The coalition said it hoped other entities, such as church schools and private schools, local councils and other workplaces opt out of such group activities, and look to other activities which were more environmentally and animal friendly.

The coalitions’ regret stems principally from the fact that despite a general opposition within the public to exploitation of animals in circuses, year after year the same company persists in making a profit from this form of animal cruelty.

Similarly, over past years, the coalition feel their campaigns have been gathering increased support from the general public, and some 4,500 persons, including school children and teachers, have signed their petition against the use of animals in show business.

The façade of the circus is a glittering one, but it is this façade that the coalition would like to do away with, so that people may see the cruel world of untold suffering that is hidden behind it.

The animals’ health and psychological well being is put at risk when they are made to participate in such shows, as they are made to train hard to perform tricks which are not always their natural instinct.

In addition to grueling training, they are often subjected to long journeys and climates to which they are not suited. The fact remains that even in the best conditions, the coalition said, the animals are deprived of fulfilling some of their most basic needs and instincts.

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