Animals in circuses are forced to perform degrading and unnatural acts, wearing silly outfits, for human pleasure. The training of these animals usually involves instilling fear in the animal by punishment for non-performance. They are transported around the country-side, housed in small cages, a far cry from their natural environments. Animal Liberation encourages the public to boycott these events in favour of people only circuses such as the 'Flying Fruit Fly Circus' or 'Circus Oz', and to make their feelings known to local governments.
At a recent performance of Silvers Circus (9th Feb.) the two segments of acts involving animals occupied a very small component of the 2 hour performance. The 8 Welsh Ponies did follow the leader in circles clockwise and anti clockwise, lined up for a food reward from the trainer, stood "head over back" (to applause), took bows, one stood on his hind legs and all backed out in perfect order.
The other animal segment involved the Highland Cattle cantering briskly around the ring, one carrying a monkey (who seemed none too pleased with things), followed by the two Camels who both acted with quite unusual alertness, eventually squatting in positions so that the Alpacas could jump over them. The trainer had these animals drilled to perfection and the act took about four minutes.
A lion was used in a magic sequence in another act where he was substituted for a human female in a small cage. The lion appeared to be confined at all times. Four lions seem to be a regular fixture with Silvers but played no other part in this show.
So, in summary, this circus is employing more peaceful, more tractable, less threatening animals. Animals which have served humankind for centuries - animals which, to some degree have, like domestic dogs and cats, become accustomed to human society and human interaction.
Is it therefore more acceptable a situation? Should we give consideration to the appearances of the Silvers operation as a well managed group who seem to be phasing out exotic species?
It is still Animal Liberation's firm contention that Silvers is, notwithstanding all this, still exploiting animals. These performing animals are in a position of subservience to their masters who are profiting from the situation. They are being coerced (to what degree we cannot tell) into doing their routines which are alien to their nature. Camels and Highland cattle do not normally react to instruction with the alacrity shown in this circus performance, and of course, the secret is in the training.
Also remember that the trauma and hazards of regular and continual trucking from town to town in all weathers and site conditions gives these animals added stresses not endured by those on farms.
A small breakthrough has occurred recently with the elephants no longer being allowed to be tethered in Australia.
As you are possibly aware, some suburban councils who formerly had imposed bans on exotic animal acts in their shires have, due to council amalgamation, agreed to the return of circuses. So our campaign must recover old ground and ask the new councils to consider our submissions for a circus ban.
The Nillumbik Shire (Eltham, Diamond Creek and environs) , of its own volition, conducted a survey of residents in 1996 regarding their attitude to a ban. Animal Liberation members in the area have been most active in their letter writing, judging from the Diamond Creek paper, and the council has made an enlightened decision and the ban has been passed.
City of Yarra and the Circus
The City of Yarra, on the 11 March, resolved to refuse permits to those circuses which use wild animals. The council will allow domestic dogs and horses to be used. Animal Liberation lobbied strongly at the council meeting for a complete ban on all animals but council decided to align themselves with the R.S.P.C.A. policy. An overwhelming number of letters received by the council (25) argued for a complete ban: one letter asked for only horses and dogs and one submission argued for circuses to be given an open go.
Thanks to all those living in Yarra who did make a submission for a complete ban. Hopefully this partial restriction will be sufficient to deter animal circuses from City of Yarra precincts.
On Thursday 3 April the R.S.P.C.A. launched its circus campaign to end the use of wild animals in circuses.
As mentioned in the report above, the R.S.P.C.A. still condones the use of horses and dogs. Whilst we wish this high profile campaign well, there is no justification for any animal to be exploited by any entertainment entrepreneur.
Ministerial Decision Awaited
Early in 1996, a review of the present policy which requires circuses to obtain local government permission to conduct performances was implemented. The Minister, Rob MacLellan, has yet to give his decision. The R.S.P.C.A. and Animal Liberation have submitted objections to any relaxation of present requirements, which rightfully allows ratepayers to have a say in local affairs.
Last updated 26 June 1997
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