(Australia)Insurance concerns over mauled lion tamer

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Workcover bans circus lions

 

From AAP

23aug01

 

A CIRCUS has been prohibited from using lions in future performances by the

NSW WorkCover Authority unless safety procedures are upgraded after the

mauling of a lion tamer.

 

WorkCover and the NSW Agriculture Department sent inspectors to the Lennon

Brothers Circus after Geoffrey Lennon was attacked by two big cats during a

performance in Sydney earlier this month.

 

WorkCover spokesman John Kirby today said the circus, currently based in

Sydney's west, had received a " must do better " on its report card.

 

He said while safety measures at the circus had not been inadequate,

WorkCover had demanded the implementation of additional procedures regarding

the transfer of lions and the presence of trained lion handlers during

performances.

 

The circus would also have to improve emergency procedures in the case of a

lion escape or attack.

 

" We have issued a prohibition notice, " Mr Kirby said. " The lions won't

perform again until they (circus operators) have completed a revised set of

safety procedures which are accepted by WorkCover and the Department of

Agriculture. "

 

Mr Kirby said the notice was issued on August 21.

 

" It's up to them to do it as quickly as possible so they can get the lions

up again, " he said.

 

Mr Lennon, 40, has indicated he is eager to return to the ring with his

charges, despite having surgery to bites and gashes to his chest, back,

buttocks and thigh after the mauling on August 11.