A closer look at the Circus
Source: Max Roeleveld
The circus has always been a traditional form of entertainment throughout the world and the romance of the big top has always been depicted in stories and films throughout the years. However, in recent times, the rise in animal welfare has brought forward many critics of using animals, especially wild ones, purely for entertainment and many circuses that contain animal acts today have had to review the way they operate.
The first traditional animal circus was held in London in 1768 and in the UK today there are still several circuses that use wild animals, such as lions, tigers, llamas, elephants and zebras, in their arenas. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 offers greater protection for these animals but it is still a fact of life that the cramped conditions that these animals are kept in, together with a travelling lifestyle are regarded as inappropriate in today's animal friendly society. Animals are also believed to become stressed at the loud noises and lights in the arena. There are also reports of animals being badly abused by their trainers for the sake of entertainment. However, many circuses state that their animals enjoy performing and that the bonds that they have with their trainers is very close. Some also believe that the opportunity to see these animals close up will promote their welfare and encourage better care to be taken of them. Many circuses also allow visits to the living quarters of their performing animals to show that the conditions they are kept in are not as bad as reported.
There are also some circuses who only use horses and dogs, considered to be more traditional domestic animals. It has to be argued whether there is any difference in using these animals in circuses to seeing dogs taking part in agility classes at Crufts every year!
However, a recent government report quoted on the RSPCA website stated that 94% of respondents thought that a total ban on animals in circuses was required by law. The Born Free Organisation are also strong campaigners against the use of animals in circuses stating that it is cruel to use animals " to perform demeaning and unnatural tricks to entertain the public". Many countries across the world have now banned the use of animals in live performance shows, including Bolivia, China and Austria.
Whilst it seemed that public opinion would eventually mean that animals will be banned from circuses in the UK, on the 13th May 2011, the Government stated that a ban would not be imposed in this country on the use of animals in circuses. However, stricter regulations would be imposed to ensure high animal welfare standards were being operated before an animal licence was granted. This was also supported by the European Circus Association who were pleased that regulation was the preferred route rather than banning the use of animals.
As with anything, there are always those who support and those who oppose. But, in the end, it should be the welfare of the animals themselves that is of paramount importance. If they are kept in tip top condition, in clean, spacious living quarters and seem to enjoy what they are doing, is there a case for the traditional 'cultural' use of animals in circuses to be allowed to continue?
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