IAR speaks out against the Great British Circus scandal

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June 2008

IAR speaks out against the Great British Circus scandal

International Animal Rescue is urging people to stay away from the Great British Circus during its visit to Tonbridge because it uses a variety of animals in its acts, including lions, tigers, camels and zebras.

Alan Knight, CEO of International Animal Rescue said: "I find it amazing that in India there is a law to protect wildlife from being used for entertainment, yet here in the UK it is still possible to keep big cats and other wildlife captive in cages and trailers and bring them out every now and again to perform mundane tricks.

"Now we learn that this commercial enterprise is trying a new way of making money by breeding from its wild animals and increasing the numbers condemned to a lifetime in captivity. It is heartbreaking to think of a tiger cub growing up behind bars, never having the freedom to roam in its natural habitat and to behave as the magnificent wild animal nature created. Instead it will be touted from pillar to post inside the confines of an enclosed trailer, deprived of sights and sounds to relieve its boredom and frustration.

"You don’t need to be a scientist or a wildlife expert to realise that circus animals lead unnatural, monotonous lives that bear no resemblance to the way they should be living in the wild."

"In this day and age most people are shocked to learn that there are still circuses in the UK which exploit animals. There is no reason whatsoever to maintain this archaic and cruel tradition in an era when attitudes to animals and animal welfare have become more enlightened and people are never short of ways to be entertained.

"Nor has the circus any educational value in terms of teaching people to respect animals and appreciate and conserve different species in their natural environment. We teach people that wildlife belongs in the wild, it’s as simple as that."

International Animal Rescue is urging people to stay away from the circus unless they plan to visit the site and conduct a peaceful protest outside it.