A young Galway woman wearing shackles held a "naked protest" in the middle of Galway city yesterday against the cruel treatment of circus animals.
Although Janine Foley (22), a volunteer with Animal Rights Action Network (Aran), was prepared to bare all during the protest at Shop Street at noon, she was warned by gardaí she would be arrested if she removed her bra and thong.
Ms Foley wore shackles and donned fake scars and bruises in an effort to highlight the violent beatings she claims are an everyday occurrence for animals in circuses. Aran said that in order to force wild animals to perform stressful and often painful acts, trainers use metal bullhooks, whips, muzzles and electric prods.
As a result of advance publicity of the event, a large crowd turned out to watch, and leaflets were handed out as well as DVDs of a recent undercover investigation by Animal Defenders International.
Ms Foley said: "The reaction was very positive. People were eager to know what we were about and there was no negative response at all."
Aran's naked campaign tour will also be visiting Sligo, Donegal, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kildare, Cork and Belfast. The demonstration has made previous stops in Dublin and Limerick city.