Sir, - The current visit of an Italian circus to Ireland has stirred the usual controversy, pitting animal welfarists against those who brand us spoilsports and occupiers of some mythical "high moral ground". I would welcome the opportunity to clarify the ISPCA's position on this matter.
Our concern for animals in circuses has a number of sources:
1. Wild animals belong in the wild. A few generations of captive breeding does not eliminate the basic instincts of these creatures, which are constantly thwarted by a cramped and restricted life in cages and beast-wagons. This has serious implications for the mental health of the animals.
2. There are well-documented grounds for believing that the training of these animals involves cruelty: the Chipperfield case in the UK is the most recent evidence of this. It is worth noting that the proof of cruelty in this case was obtained by undercover cameras; training generally takes place out of the public view.
3. Breeding replacement animals leaves a surplus which is disposed of in a completely unregulated way, through dealers in exotic pets and unscrupulous zoos, which often display young animals to attract the public and kill them when they are no longer cute and cuddly. In the past the ISPCA had had to rescue (at great expense) tigers, baboons and a bear - all unwanted circus animals. The circus-going public does not see this hidden misery.
4. Increased knowledge and understanding of the intelligence and needs of animals underlines the unacceptability of using them in this way. Circus animal acts are a medieval relic which have no place in the third millennium.
5. The ISPCA does not advocate the release of existing circus animals into the wild, where they would be unable to cope. We would like to see these animals placed in suitable sanctuaries where they can live out their days in a relaxed environment.
6. The ISPCA has drafted legislation which we believe is badly needed to control the importation and keeping of exotic and dangerous wild animals. Unless we get a proper licensing system in Ireland, as already exists in the UK, this country will become a dumping ground for many animals that are unwanted by zoos and circuses.
I appeal to people thinking of visiting a circus with animal acts to consider that, by supporting this form of "entertainment", they are perpetuating exploitation and cruelty. - Yours, etc., Ciaran O'Donovan,
Chief Executive Officer, ISPCA, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6.