Animal Rights Group, which is one of the 23 Animal Caring Organisations that form part of Animal Rights Circus Coalition, would like to express its regret that the Maltese authorities have once more not heeded international organisations that have stated publicly that animal behaviourists worldwide have expressed their concern that animal circuses do nothing but exploit animals to their detriment as a means of providing cheap entertainment.
It is most disturbing that the Maltese authorities, who pride themselves for their Catholic values, chose to ignore the Church Environment Commission who issued a public statement categorically highlighting that the training of animals in circuses is indeed a form of cruelty. Not only has the Church been ignored regarding the animal circus issue, which is once more brought over by JS Productions, but that this animal circus is also being advertised as part of the festive season activities during the Christmas season!
Praise, on the other hand, goes to the Director General, Directorate for Educational Services, for having issued a nationwide circular to schools recommending them not to visit animal shows such as circuses and dolphinariums during school hours. Animal Rights Group congratulates the Education Division for its stand in recognising that circuses are far from educational and that they are solely a means of exploiting these trapped animals. It is now hoped that the Church schools and private schools will now follow suite.
To sum up our stand, we would like to emphasis these particular points:
Following various TV shows and newspaper articles, it is obvious that the majority of the Maltese population are against cruelty to animals.
Malta as part of the EU should follow those progressive countries, such as Finland and Switzerland, that have already taken a stand and banned animal circuses from their shores.
The most popular and famous circus in the world is the Cirque Du Soleil. This circus utilises no animals whatsoever in its diverse programmes, yet all who visit remain spellbound. The essence of this message can and indeed is achieved through man’s actual capabilities and not subjecting animals to perform unnatural and inhumane stunts.
On Tuesday, 20 December at 6pm all members of the public who wish to join our group to show compassion for these animals in captivity and our repugnance at the fact that these animals are simply being used as a tool for commercial interests are more than welcome. Please present yourselves at City Gate, Valletta where the Circus Animal Rights Coalition will be meeting up. A silent walk towards Floriana, where these animals are kept, will follow.
■ Myriam Kirmond
Chairperson
Animal Rights Group
Burmarrad