Animal welfare charity slams plans for elephant circus act

Elephants Sonja, Vana Mana and Delhi perform in one of the Great British Circus acts, alongside trainers Lars and Christine Holscher

A circus show billed as the first British elephant act in a decade is caught up in a row with animal welfare campaigners.

Just days before it is due to begin a nationwide tour, the Great British Circus found itself at the centre of attempts to ban the use of the creatures in performances.

The Born Free Foundation, an international animal welfare charity, is concerned about plans to take African and Asian elephants on the tour.

It has also hit out at the Government for failing to act.

Will Travers, its chief executive, said: 'As predicted, Government paralysis over the issue of wild animals in circuses has opened the floodgates and will subject more wild animals to life on the road.

'We believe the Government's position on this issue is the result of unsafe and unsound advice and, sadly, it appears that the circus industry is capitalising on the confusion.'

It is the first time in over10 years that a European elephant act has been brought to a circus in the UK

The charity said it 'strongly disputes' a 2007 report which said there was insufficient evidence wild animals in travelling circuses were better or worse off than other captive animals.

It was compiled by the chairman of Defra's Circus Working Group, which was established to inform policy on the issue.

Born Free took part in the consultation, but claimed Defra decided it could not consider evidence relating to the performance or training of circus animals.

A Defra spokesman said there were tough penalties for anyone caught mistreating the animals.

The circus will begin its tour in Newark on Friday

'The Animal Welfare Act 2006 deals with those who fail to meet the welfare needs of animals in their care, whether pet owners, farmers or circuses.

'Those convicted can be banned from keeping animals, sent to prison for up to six months, and fined up to £20,000.'

The Great British Circus defended its show.

Ringmaster Martin Lacy said: 'After almost two years of fact finding, the Defra report, Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses, concluded that there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that travelling circuses are not able to meet the welfare needs of any type of non-domestic animals presently being used in the United Kingdom.

'This exonerates animal trainers who for too long have been the whipping boys of animal rights charities.'

Courtesy of Joey Ratliff

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In regards to Mr. Lacey's carefully worded statement at the end of this news article, I don't think the Defra report exonerates anybody for anything. The word "presently" is the catch.

I hope we can have some healthy debate over this issue. Anonymous posts will be allowed, if you email me at wburck3@aol.com and introduce yourself or explain why you prefer ananimity. We may be able to understand "what is going on here."