BORN FREE: Please forward copy below and Tell U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that You Support “Threatened” Listing For African Lions

PLEASE COULD YOU ALL FIND THE TIME TO COPY THE FOLLOWING TEXT IN RED & FORWARD IT ON TO USFWS; TO HELP PROTECT THE LIONS.

Dear Julie,

I have good news for the lions, but they still need your help! In October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a proposed rule concerning the fate of African lions. In response to a petition submitted by Born Free USA and other animal protection organizations back in 2011, USFWS proposed listing African lions as “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Although not the “endangered” listing we requested, the threatened status will be accompanied by a special rule requiring a permit for any importation of sport-hunted lion trophies—which should only be issued for lions originating from countries with a scientifically sound management plan for the species. Born Free, of course, wants to see no sport hunting of lions. But, if it’s not going to be prohibited completely, a strong permitting system is critical, because the U.S. imports over half of the hundreds of lion trophies brought home by trophy hunters globally each year.

USFWS is seeking comments from the public regarding this proposed ruling. Please let USFWS know that you support the listing, urging them to be diligent about not giving permits to kill lions from any at-risk populations—and to keep an attentive eye on the situation to assess whether strong actions are needed.This comment period ends next Tuesday, January 27, 2015, so be sure to send your comment as soon as possible. A sample comment is below for you to use or modify.

Some populations (such as those in West and Central Africa, or East African countries like Ethiopia) are clearly endangered, and permits should never be granted for imports of lion trophies from these countries. But, bear in mind: even trophies of an “endangered” species can enter the U.S. under a permitting scheme if it is determined that such importation enhances the survival of the species in the wild. (That’s the technical language.) As a result, I am heartened—not disappointed—by the proposed rule.

Lion populations and the habitat available to them have diminished dramatically in recent years due to trophy hunting, bone trade, meat and organ consumption, disease, and agricultural expansion. Born Free and our partners on the ground in Africa will keep vigilant watch on lions and lion trade to ensure that the U.S. government’s decision enhances conservation in the future. The lion has no margin for error.

For the animals,

 

 

 

 

P.S. Share this email with your friends and invite them to show their support for the listing by writing to the USFWS.

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Sample comment to submit here by Tuesday, January 27, 2015:

I wish to express my support for the proposed rule to list African lions as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The African lion is in crisis; its numbers have declined by more than half in the last three decades. Potentially fewer than 32,000 remain today. A recent study found that the West African lion population is critically imperiled, with roughly 400 lions in total found in only four protected areas (down from 21 in 2005). Furthermore, current estimates state that there are approximately 2,000 lions left in Central Africa; 18,000 in East Africa; and 11,000 in Southern Africa.

The threats facing the African lion are numerous and varied. These include over-exploitation by recreational trophy hunting and commercial trade, loss of habitat and prey species, retaliatory killings, disease, bone trade, meat and organ consumption, and other human-caused and natural factors. While I do not believe that any trophy hunting is reasonable for such a vulnerable species, I applaud the step that the USFWS has taken toward limiting trophy kills with the special rule regarding permitting and country of origin. If trophy hunt imports cannot be banned outright, a strong permitting system is critical because the U.S. imports over half of the hundreds of lion trophies brought home by hunters globally each year. I urge the USFWS to be diligent about not giving permits to kill lions from any at-risk populations—and to keep an attentive eye on the situation to assess whether strong actions are needed.

For the reasons stated above, this proposal is both scientifically sound and urgently needed. Thank you to the USFWS for acknowledging that this iconic species is in grave trouble. I respectfully ask the USFWS to uphold the threatened listing for African lions in its final rule.

PLEASE SEND ABOVE TO THE LINK IN RED OR HERE:-http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FWS-R9-ES-2012-0025-3488

Like if you agree, wild animals DO NOT belong in circuses!: “Animal circuses”: Cruel entertainment or a dying art?”

“I understand, there may be some circuses who do put the animals needs first; I’m not saying all circuses are cruel to their animals! But I still don’t think wild animals should be in cages, travelling from town to town; to perform unnatural tricks, to the paying public; no matter how well they are cared for. The circuses may very well maintain their animals are well fed & cared for, that’s all well & good. But no pitched circus can provide its animals with a likeness to the animals own living habitats. It would be impossible for circuses to provide lions or tigers with rocks, caves, trees, brush or access to a lake, for tigers & other animals that love the water. These are the basics, so the animals can exhibit their natural behaviour; especially when they are constantly on the move! The council floor space granted to the circuses probably just about holds all the wagons carrying the animals, along with all the trucks needed to erect the circus tents, caravans & other stalls etc. So there is little room for the animals between performances; to act in a natural way!

Horses & zebra love to run round etc. but In the News Link below, it says that ponies are tethered to the circus tents, camels are tethered in fields, with horses in temporary stables & makeshift paddocks; animals can not express their natural instincts when denied their normal living habitats! Where do the tigers or lions go when not performing; tigers love to swim! Or do they just stay in their beast wagons? I’ve seen enough evidence to convince me that circus animals are not happy animals! They are denied their basic instincts, they are not meant to perform or stay in holding cells in between shows. As such many animals exhibit repetitive stereotypical behaviour; due to their lifestyles, they would never do it in the wild! So I still say wild animals do not belong in any type of exhibit where they are forced to perform…it’s wrong & about time our Government got off their backsides & implemented a BAN like they promised! .”

POST By Jonathan Brown 26/9/2014 http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/ 

Changing times: With a legal ban on the use of wild animal acts in UK circuses impending, Jonathan Brown goes behind the scenes at one of only two left in the UK to get to the heart of the debate.

Petra Jackson pictured with Zebedee the zebra at Circus Mondao, in Tingley, Leeds. Picture by Simon Hulme

Behind the big top at Circus Mondao – one of only two licensed animal circuses in the UK – zebras, camels and reindeer are roaming to the disgust of animal rights campaigners.

At its current resting place at Thorpe Lane, Tingley, there are Shetland ponies tethered to the circus tent, camels tethered in the fields, while its seven horses are split between airy temporary stables and makeshift paddocks to keep them separated from the freely wandering elderly zebra ‘Zebedee’.

By any means it’s a strange, if not slightly unnatural, sight to see at fields between Leeds and Wakefield nevertheless the animals seem contented and oblivious to the legal and moral storm that surrounds Circus Mondao’s very existence.

Next month draft legislation to enforce an outright ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, which could eventually come into force by December 2015, will have its crucial second reading amid increasing public protests.

Touring the circus on its eighth visit to rural Tingley in as many years, a vast convoy of 17 trucks, cars and caravans hauled around the country by a 30-strong workforce nine months of the year is gearing up for its next show.

We’re led around the site by veteran ringmistress Petra Jackson as Romanian gymnasts warm up in the big top and the animals are given time to relax outside. She is immediately on the defensive. “Have a look at where our animals live – you can’t believe everything you read on the internet,” she said. “It’s very hard to get our voice across. They are not kept in a shoebox under the bed, they’re grazing freely with fresh food and fresh water.”

It’s not surprising that she is on her guard. Life on the road with a modern day animal circus consists of a relentless stream of protests and media criticism outside of daily performances and weekly travel.

But having entered circus life aged 16 to train and care for dogs and ponies, Ms Jackson is used to the pressure. She has spent 22 years in the industry and joined Circus Mondao nine years ago.

Forthright in her view that all her animals live fulfilling lives, she is adamant that traditional circus is by no means the “Victorian relic” campaigners suggest.

“The people who come and see the show don’t say it’s outdated – it’s not what the general public are saying,” she said.

“The Great British public want to be able to make their own decision about what they want to see. If they didn’t want to see animals perform in the circus they wouldn’t come to see us and we would be out of business.” “The public did make their own decision about animals in circuses, according to a report by Born Free Foundation and RSPCA (2006).   “See Link To PDF – Its time Parliament changed it’s act;Below”

 98.9% of readers of the Sunday Mirror newspaper who expressed a view thought that the UK’s only remaining circus elephant (see section 6.1 – UK Circus elephant) should retire (2005). 

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee The Environment,Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) is a cross-party committee appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure,administration,and policy of the Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and its associated bodies. In its examination of the Animal Welfare Bill,the Committee has recommended that: In addition,to date (11/01/06),92 Members of Parliament have signed Early Day Motion No.468 recognising that the circus environment cannot provide for the needs of wild animals. The use of wild animals in circuses be prohibited The use of all other performing animals in circuses,television,theatre,films,advertising etc.be licensed “See Link To PDF – Its time Parliament changed it’s act;Below”

In spite of her defiance, the evidence suggests the days of UK animal circus acts are numbered – even aside from the looming change in the law.

From 1998/9 the number of circuses practicing with wild animals in the UK fell from 20 to four in just five years, with dwindling audiences and high-profile animal cruelty cases contributing to the fact that only two such circuses exist today.

Circus Mondao, with its collection of over 30 mainly grazing stock, and Peter Jolly’s Circus, which features five lions and tigers, have rarely been out of the headlines as a result.

And having worked with big cats herself, Ms Jackson is hardly damning of their use. “The natural environment out there isn’t what it used to be with deforestation and there is so much more poaching and hunting going on,” she said. “People don’t realise they (big cats) relax a lot in the daytime and what they do in the circus is no different to what they do in the wild – they jump and leap from one rock to another, it’s just a trained movement.”

She argues that most circus animals are “captive bred” and are used to a circus routine which causes them no harm, meaning animals such as Mondao’s zebra and one of its mules have easily outlasted their predicted life expectancies.

“The tide of opinion is against us. There’s no scientific evidence against us. We’ve been inspected by the Government, they have licensed us and all the inspections that have happened previously didn’t find anything wrong with the animals in the circus, it’s just that the animal rights people don’t think it’s right to have them in captivity.”

5.3 Abnormal behaviour
It is known that wild animals in captivity often display abnormal behaviour,with a particular problem being repetitive, seemingly functionless actions referred to as stereotypic behaviour. Stereotypic behaviour may be the result of frustrated needs,or be a coping mechanism developed in a current or previous inadequate or stressful environment,and the presence of stereotypic behaviour is generally acknowledged to be an indicator of current or previous poor welfare. Evidence exists for stereotypic behaviour being significant in circus animals (e.g.Friend & Parker 1999,Gruber 2000,Krawczel et al.2005, Schmid 1995),and this is supported by anecdotal evidence and video footage. Indeed,legislation in New Zealand attempts to tackle the problem,stating that animals displaying continuous signs of distress must not be held or used in circuses. Presence of stereotypic behaviour in some species may serve as partial evidence that circuses are unable to meet the needs of wild animals.  “See Link To PDF – Its time Parliament changed it’s act;Below”

Nationwide around 200 local authorities, including Leeds City Council, have pre-empted a wider ban by refusing to warrant animal circuses using council-owned land.

The arrival of Circus Mondao and Peter Jolly’s Circus in West Yorkshire last year attracted the attention of protestors in Otley and Queensbury, Bradford, last year, and Circus Mondao’s visits to Thornton, Calverley and Tingley so far have attracted similar responses from the likes of Leeds Animal Protection and Bradford and Calderdale Animal Friends.

Meanwhile Animal Defenders International has called on residents to avoid the circus as wild animal acts are an “outdated practice which is overwhelmingly opposed by the public”.

Jan Creamer, president of ADI, said: “Most people are now aware of the terrible suffering of wild animals in circuses and shun such acts. A national ban has been promised but, until it is brought in, these animals are forced to perform silly tricks and endure conditions which deny them their natural behaviours. We urge local people not to support circus suffering.”

Recent high profile cases of mistreatment have scarred the perception of animal circuses for many. Circus owner Bobby Roberts was given a three-year conditional discharge in 2012 for mistreating the UK’s last circus elephant. The conviction came after a groom was secretly filmed striking the 58-year-old elephant, called Anne, with a pitchfork in early 2011.

Nevertheless animal cruelty and circuses are not necessarily intertwined. Both remaining UK animal circuses are regularly vetted and have been licensed by DEFRA.

In fact after publishing the Wild Animals in Circuses Report which looks set to bring about the ban on wild animal acts, committee chair Anne McIntosh MP said “there is no overwhelming welfare case for a ban on wild animals in travelling circuses”, stating there are already laws in place to deal with welfare abuse.

But whether wild animal acts are at all necessary or viable remains debatable. Either way, the impending ban looks set to spell the end of a 150-year-old industry.

Ms Jackson added: “We don’t know what’s going to happen, that’s very true. We don’t think like to think about it.”

HISTORY OF ANIMAL CIRCUSES IS CHEQUERED

• The use of animals in the circus dates back around a century and a half.
• Prior to travelling circuses and the advent of public zoos, those wanting to lay their eyes on exotic wild animals would head to fairs.
• Before animals were exhibited, travelling shows were likely to be exhibiting people with physical abnormalities, regarded at the time as ‘freaks of nature’.
• From the 19th Century animals were taken on tour as displays of exotic creatures before they were combined with traditional circus shows – the first true animal acts involved horses.
• US circus performer Isaac Van Amburgh is recognised as the first wild animal trainer in circus history, having entered a cage with several big cats as early as 1833.
• Equestrian circus became a world phenomenon during the 1800s, with travelling circuses pitching up American-style big top tents from the mid 1830s.
• In Europe, the travelling circus and menagerie reached its peak between the two world wars.
• But while exotic animals once drew large crowds, the animal rights movements of the 1960s onwards pressured circuses to re-think their links with animals.
• Shows began to present circus in a more artistic light, while many circuses began to end or amend their association with animal acts.
• Although not a travelling circus, German-American duo Siegfried & Roy who performed with white lions and tigers in Las Vegas ended their 13-year stage careers after Roy was attacked and nearly killed by a seven-year-old male tiger named Montecore in 2003.
• Such high profile accidents were added to by cases of ill treatment among some of the more unscrupulous circuses and began to shape perceptions.

News Link:-http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/animal-circuses-cruel-entertainment-or-a-dying-art-1-6862167

 Public Opinion.
Recent decades have seen increasing public exposure to media such as television documentaries and to foreign travel, allowing people the opportunity to observe either directly or indirectly animals in the wild, their natural behaviour and habitats. In addition, examples of animal cruelty such as those uncovered during the investigation and successful prosecution of individuals from the Chipperfield family in 1997-1999 have aroused considerable public concern. It is of little surprise therefore that there has been a concurrent decline in the popularity of circuses featuring performing wild animals, which in turn may have led to circuses disposing of their wild animal acts. There have been several polls that serve to indicate this change in public opinion:“See Link To PDF – Its time Parliament changed it’s act;Below”

NOW:-Take action!

Ask the government to keep their promise to end the use of all wild animals in circuses by 2015!

If your local authority has allowed animal circuses on council-owned land, you can write a letter expressing your concernto your local councillor.
[1]  Harris S, Iossa G & Soulsbury CD (2006) A review of the welfare of wild animals in circuses (PDF 404KB). Report submitted to the Circus Working Group, 4 December.

Relevant documents

A report into the welfare of circus animals in England and Wales (1998) (230KB)

A review of the welfare of wild animals in circuses (2006) (PDF 632KB)

It’s time Parliament changed its Act: An examination of the state of UK circuses with wild animals (2006) (PDF 1.25MB) (Part of PDF Link noted above)

News Link:-http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/captivity/circuses

Wild animals in captivity

In 2012, the Westminster Government announced it would finally grant wild animals in circuses their long overdue ban. Two and a half years later and it appears that the government has turned its back on wild animals in the circus.

Our last chance before the election lies with Jim Fitzpatrick MP who has tabled a banning bill to pick up where the government has left off. The banning bill will have it’ssecond reading on 17 October. This is a very important date as it could be our very last chance to see this much discussed ban become a reality.

 News Link By RSPCA: http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/bigstop/-/articleName/CAM_The_Big_Stop_v2

Breeding animals for a few generations doesn’t wipe out thousands of years of evolution; essentially a tiger born in a circus has the same needs as a tiger born in the wild.

We’re not saying that the wild is an idyllic place free from problems – it’s not! But animals have evolved over thousands of years, adapting to live in certain types of natural environments.

Placing an animal in surroundings that are unsuitable for the species can cause stress and behavioural problems. Animals kept in an improper environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, resulting in illness or death. In some environments, we believe it’s best not to keep certain wild animals at all, as their needs cannot be met – particularly if the animal is there for entertainment. Examples are;

• Primates as pets,
• Elephants in zoos (PDF 1158KB),
• Whales and dolphins in dolphinaria,
• Wild animals in circuses.

If you cannot meet the needs of an animal then you should not keep that animal.

 News Link By RSPCA:-http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/captivity/-/articleName/WLD_InCaptivity

Wild animals don’t belong in circuses…

The complex needs of wild animals can never be adequately met in a circus environment and regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance are all unavoidable realities for the animals.

We have no confidence in the licensing scheme introduced by the government as an interim measure while the ban was being passed. Put simply, it does virtually nothing to protect the welfare of wild animals in circuses.
So what are we waiting for? In March 2012 the Westminster Government announced it would ban wild animals in circuses and the Welsh Government later announced they were keen for Wales to be included in the legislation. However, the animals are still waiting.

Take action, email your MP now and urge them throw their support behind this ‘last chance’ bIll…

News Link RSPCA:-http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/bigstop/-/articleName/CAM_The_Big_Stop_v2

Related articles

• Huge Victory! UK Ban on ALL Wild Animals in Circuses to Go into Effect in 2015 (onegreenplanet.org)
• Travelling circus under fire for use of wild animals after arriving in Wirral (liverpoolecho.co.uk)
• Campaign to ban wild circus animals wins huge public support (environmentaleducationuk.wordpress.com)
• Animal circus in Chepstow under attack (southwalesargus.co.uk)
• Circuses remove last of the big cats from UK’s big tops (guardian.co.uk)

GRAPHIC VIDEO; WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES IN THE UK…Why no ban yet?? Please help!

“Please, if you care about wild animals being exploited for entertainment & money, take action & send an email to the links below; I don’t know about you, but I am sick of being hoodwinked! The BRITISH Government are stalling for some reason, whilst other Countries (even those known for their poor welfare of animals) have managed a ban….why not England?? All those in government need to watch the video at the end of this post, even though posted in 2010, little has changed, for animals are still being beaten into submission by cruel trainers, taking their own frustrations out, on sentient beings, who can’t speak about the abuse. Circuses are interested only in the money their animal performances bring in, which brings horrific suffering to those entrusted to entertain…THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT HAVE TO HONOUR THEIR PROMISE OF A BAN ON WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES ASAP…I only feel total empathy & sorrow for those sentient beings left, like horse & dogs etc. Who will still suffer the abuse, confinement & training of circus life; it’s heartbreaking to see horses with stereotypical behaviour!”

“All circus animals live a life of abuse, confinement & constant beatings (often for no reason, other than the trainer feels like letting off some personal steam) just to entertain the public…which is simply not right & should be banned ASAP! Personally I don’t think any animal wild or domesticated animal, should be used & abused for monetary gain; all animals should be banned from circuses!! They don’t belong in solitary confinement, with repetitive beatings… simply going stir crazy, because they are so distressed… pacing back & forth in cramped cages, no animal deserve to suffer this stereotypic behaviour??PERIOD!”

“I would so love to see those who beat the animals, get a taste of their own medicine! But then, as is usual, any animal that attacks a human (irrelevant of the constant beatings it has endured over the years etc) will ultimately be shot; can no one see why these animals attack? They are mentally broken, beaten & humiliated….I wouldn’t blame any animal that struck back at its human trainer….perhaps if the animals were not so scared of the beatings, there would be more!!

“Those who watch the video & or still choose to go to circuses etc; are on the wrong blog! There is nothing here for those who don’t understand the suffering these sentient beings endure, at the hands of humans! If you have no interest in helping animals & sticking up for the voiceless…PLEASE…bog off from my blog!!!”

The Born Free Foundation has been working steadily for many years for an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.

No Animal Should Be Used and Abused For Entertainment

In the UK, we participated in a government-convened Circus Working Group in the late 1990s and again in 2006. We have investigated and exposed the treatment of wild animals in circuses on many occasions, and helped to relocate animals from circuses to better conditions.

Numbers of circuses with wild animals and the number of wild animals used by circuses have declined in recent years but we consider that a ban on wild animals in circuses across the UK is long overdue. A travelling circus environment simply cannot provide for the needs of wild animals.

For the latest on the progress towards a ban in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, please see our news items.

 URGENT! – ASK CAMERON AND CLEGG TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN ON WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES

Dear Supporters and Friends

I was shocked when I discovered that the ban on wild animals in travelling circuses in England was not mentioned in the Queen’s Speech in June 2014. I am sure you are as disappointed as I am.  But I will certainly not give up.  There is still a slim chance that the Government could make the dream of a ban a reality – but I need your immediate help.

It is vital that the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister hear from compassionate citizens as a matter of urgency and I am, therefore, asking you to take 5 minutes to contact them, urging them to ensure that a ban is introduced by Government as a priority.

The key points to make in your letter or email are:

• The Government made a commitment to bring in a ban on wild animals in travelling circuses in England in March 2012, and has repeatedly confirmed their commitment ever since.
• There is now a very limited window of opportunity for the government to make good on its promise of a ban within this session of Parliament. Parliament is scheduled to be dissolved at the end of March 2015.
• Draft legislation to ban has already been introduced in Parliament. This legislation is not considered to be controversial, has the overwhelming support of Parliamentarians, and could progress quickly through Parliament.
• There is strong public support for a ban which would be a quick and easy “win” for this Government.
• Any delay in bringing in a ban in England could reduce the chances of bringing in bans in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Leading animal protection organisations including the Born Free Foundation, RSPCA, the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, and the British Veterinary Association are all agreed that a ban is long overdue.
• Quite simply, a ban is the right thing to do in a compassionate society that cares about animals and we must not let this opportunity be lost!

Please help and take five minutes to contact the offices of Prime Minister Rt Hon David Cameron MP and the Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP by following these links:

https://email.number10.gov.uk/

http://engage.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/deputy-prime-ministers-office/contact-the-deputy-prime-minister/

Or write to them:

The Prime Minister-

10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA

The Deputy Prime Minister –

Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS

Thank you so much for reading this and I do hope you will help.

With all good wishes

Virginia

NB. If you wish to help Born Free’s ongoing work on captive wild animals, please consider making adonation to assist our Zoo Check campaign

News Link:-http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/zoo-check/circuses-performing-animals/uk-circuses/

Ugliest Show On Earth

Uploaded on 7 Apr 2010 – ANIMAL DEFENDERS INTERNATIONAL.

The Ugliest Show on Earth report (USoE) and video chart the findings of an 18-month study and investigation into the use of animals in circuses – the most comprehensive study of animals in circuses ever undertaken.

Between 1996 and 1998, ADI undercover Field Officers worked in 13 UK animal circuses and winter quarters, and 5 foreign circuses which were exhibiting animals supplied by UK circus animal suppliers and trainers.

The team of five people involved in the undercover work made observations totalling 7,280 hours. Over 700 hours of videotape was recorded, with nearly 400 hours of this being used in evidence for the prosecutions which followed the publication of the report and release of the video programme of the same name.

The video highlights the main findings of the study and is probably most famous for the shocking scenes of brutality to elephants and chimpanzees at Mary Chipperfield Promotions in Hampshire, UK. These scenes allowed ADI to issue summonses for cruelty to animals which were subsequently taken over by the UKs Crown Prosecution Service, and convictions for cruelty were secured against Mary Chipperfield Cawley, her husband Roger Cawley, and their elephant keeper, Michael Steve Gills.

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Related articles

• Cameron Stands By Wild Animals Circus Ban (news.sky.com)
• Sir Roger Moore and Imelda Staunton Urge the Queen of England to Ban Animal Circuses (onegreenplanet.org)
• Dangerous fun: The circus as workplace (mysafetysign.com)
• UK Prime Minister Promises to Carry Out Ban on Wild Animal in Circuses (onegreenplanet.org)
• Animals still “enduring terrible suffering” in UK circuses (voiceofrussia.com)
• UK Government to Ban Performing Circus Animals (ibtimes.co.uk)
• Circuses to be banned from using wild animals (guardian.co.uk)
• England to ban wild animals at circuses (timesofmalta.com)
• 5 Abuse Cases That Prove We Need to Ban Circuses (onegreenplanet.org)
• Landmark Bill to Outlaw Wild Animals in Traveling Circuses Introduced to Congress! (onegreenplanet.org)

Wild Animal Circus Ban Under Threat!

“Lets be honest, the UK Government have done nothing to instil public confidence into their ability to make sure wild animals are protected! Hence, this is another person not getting their vote! They have done nothing but lie about their real intentions on the circus bill & I just hate those who try to pull the wool over your eyes!! Countries who hardly have any animal welfare rules have managed to implement the bill, so why not the UK?? Like I said in a previous post, what are they scared of??? They are pathetic & I’m ashamed to be English!!”

Recommendations made to Government that circus ban should not remove a single wild animal from the big top

A select committee report released this morning following the consideration of the UK Government’s proposals to ban the use of all wild animals in circuses has been strongly criticised by animal protection campaigners for its recommendation that any initial prohibition should be limited to big cats and elephants only.

CAPS and campaign partners point out that, given that there are no elephants or big cats in English circuses, any ban introduced along these lines would fail to protect any of the wild animals still being used in big tops around the country. A spokesperson said “in effect, a ban introduced on the basis that has now been recommended would be absolutely meaningless for those wild animals that the Government has promised to protect”.

A draft bill was published in April and, in line with the long-term discourse on the use of wild animals in circuses, the calls made in various parliamentary debates and the results of the 2010 public consultation on the matter, the Government proposed to seek a full ban on the use of all wild animals in circuses. This news was welcomed by campaigners who have worked for many years to secure this new law.

However, in today’s report to Government following scrutiny of this draft bill, the EFRA Select Committee suggests that public concern is limited to species of wild animal such as elephants and big cats, but not to animals such as snakes, racoons and zebras. The report goes on to make the claim that public concern on the issue stems from the mistaken perception “that large numbers of elephants and big cats are still used in performances in travelling circuses”. However there is no evidence to support this assertion which, according to campaigners, “appears to be little more than ill-informed conjecture”.

A spokesperson for CAPS, The RSPCA, The Born Free Foundation and the British Veterinary Association said:

“To make this suggestion is to ignore the calls of the 94% of respondents to the 2010 public consultation on this matter, to dismiss the reams of evidence and opinion published in Hansard, and to overlook the outcome of dozens of hours of parliamentary debate, dating back to 2005 and earlier; all of which clearly demonstrate the overwhelming support for a ban on all wild animals in travelling circuses. We request in the strongest possible terms that the Government rejects this recommendation and continues with its commendable plan to ban the use of all wild animals in circuses in England, as promised.”

CAPS Director, Liz Tyson, added:

“If the EFRA committee’s recommendation is followed, not one of the animals currently performing in circus shows in the England will be covered by the ban.  It is vital that we make our voices heard on this important issue; not just for the 21 wild animals who are currently being exploited in English circuses, but for the future generations of animals that will be subjected to the same for years to come if we do not secure an all-species ban”.

The 2009/2010 consultation on the use of wild animals in circuses asked the question of respondents: “Do you think that there are any species of wild animal which it is acceptable to use in travelling circuses?” and 95.5% of respondents answered “No”.

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ACTION ALERT!

CAPS is calling on supporters to take urgent action by writing to the Defra minister, Lord de Mauley, to ask him to reject any suggestion of narrowing the scope of the ban and deliver on his promise that “this legislation will end the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in this country. It will also help ensure that our international reputation as a leading protector of animals continues into a new global era”.

Please don’t delay – this quick and easy action will help to demonstrate that the public want a ban on the exploitation of all wild animals in travelling circuses.

Email Lord de Mauley: demauley@parliament.uk

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Our work is only made possible for your kind support. We still have a long way to go to get the animals out of the circus. Please consider making a donation to help us to help them.

Thank you

Read the full EFRA committee report: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/news/wac-report/

News Link:-http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2013/07/wild-animal-circus-ban-under-threat

It’s All Over for Wild Animal Circuses – or is it?

“I’m so sorry that posts are few & far between, I do try to post whenever pain allows! But it’s not just pain, pain interferes with other motor skills like using my brain to write posts; what would normally take me 5 minutes now takes 5 days, please excuse mistakes with grammar etc. lol…I’m doing the best I can, while I still can!!”

“Quiet frankly, I am disgusted at the red herrings, stalling tactics & pathetic dilly dallying attempts, by the UK government, not to ban wild animals in circuses; especially since we were fooled into thinking they had decided that a ban was the right way forward. But instead of a total ban on wild animals, they came up with a new licensing regime under the Animal Welfare Act 2006! How bloody stupid, the animals are already covered under the act; it’s just there are no specific animal welfare regulations for wild animals in travelling circuses!!

They have failed miserably to conclude this issue, while other Countries have steamed ahead with a ban on all wild animals in circuses; it seems, the UK don’t think circus life for animals, isn’t bad!. Of course, homes have to be found for the wild animals already in circuses, a ban doesn’t happen overnight. Is the UK Government scared they will have to foot the bill for re-homing animals to zoo’s or safari parks? Because, I’m really struggling to find any logical reason, why they can’t stand alongside other Countries & implement the ban. I take the ban to mean, no more wild animals allowed in a circus from the date of the ban, but a grace period, for circus owners to find homes for the wild animals they hold captive ! Really, what is the governments problem, what’s actually stopping them from implementing a ban? The UK is supposed to be among one of the stricter Countries when it comes to animal welfare, yet they are failing miserably to protect wild animals; in a circus environment,often rife with cruelty & abuse!!

The UK government & the rest of the clowns that decide the fate of animals in UK circuses, actually need to grow some balls! They have shown a total lack of competence & ignorance by failing to take note of the horrific undercover videos of abuse & totally ignored the public’s vote (94% in 2010 to be exact, more like 100% now) who want a ban on wild animals in circuses; isn’t it their job to listen to the public??  Not to mention all the hard work certain ministers have done & the years of parliamentary debates: all of which clearly demonstrates the overwhelming support for a ban on all wild animals in travelling circuses.

 Thanks to undercover videos, social media sites via the internet, have made the public more aware than ever, about circus life for animals.

 I have written to my MP, DEFRA & Lord Henley several times regards the circus ban; but I never get the answer I’m looking for! After seeing the video that went viral overnight, of Anne the elephant, being beaten by her groom; I wrote letters & sent a petition, along with many others, to help get Anne the elephant, away from her abusive circus life. I was thrilled when she finally packed her trunk &  left the circus for good. Anne is now a different elephant, although she bears the scars from circus life; she is happy & carefree at Longleat Safari Park. See petitions do work, when we all join as one to become the voice for the animals. 

 I received this via email from Born Free.

It’s All Over for Wild Animal Circuses – or is it?

Posted: 08 Jul 2013 05:01 PM PDT

Animal welfare organisation “shocked” by opinion of Government Committee regarding ban on wild animals in travelling circuses in England; EFRA Committee at odds with Government policy.

The Born Free Foundation has today hit out at a new report by the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, which recommends that the Government revise its plans to ban all species of wild animals from use by travelling circuses in England on ethical grounds.

The UK-based international animal welfare and conservation organisation called the recommendations bizarre and inconsistent, particularly where the Committee claims that public opinion is based on a mistaken perception that large numbers of elephants and big cats are still used in circuses.

Will Travers OBE, CEO of the Born Free Foundation, said: “The opinion of the Committee is woefully out of touch. The majority of the British public, and a unanimous vote in June 2011 by MPs, supported a ban on wild animals in travelling circuses, a position reflected in the Coalition Government’s clear commitment to a ban on the use of all wild animals in travelling circuses in England on ethical grounds; a commitment given repeatedly by Ministers to Born Free on numerous occasions.  It has taken far too long to reach the stage of a promise to ban, and frankly I am shocked that the Committee seems to be advocating watering-down the draft legislation”.

The Committee’s understanding of the situation was further called into question when they referred to a ‘domesticated racoon’, despite this species clearly being a wild animal under the relevant legislations. Chris Draper, Born Free’s Senior Scientific Researcher added, “The Committee seems to consider that it is somehow acceptable to use species of wild animal such as zebra, racoons or snakes in travelling circuses.

Not only is this in direct contrast to the overwhelming position of the public and animal welfare experts, but it flies in the face of the Government’s principled position that there should be no wild animals of any species exploited in travelling circuses. We urge the Government to reject the Committee’s recommendations and reaffirm their commitment to bringing about an end to the use of wild animals in this way at the earliest practicable opportunity.  Anything less will be seen by the public as no more or less than a betrayal of the animals concerned.”

How YOU can help:

Please contact Defra Minister Lord De Mauley and let him know that it isn’t just lions and elephants in the circus that you care about: you are concerned about ALL WILD ANIMALS! Remind him that zebras, snakes, racoons, camels and all other wild animals have no place in circuses in England.

defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

demauley@parliament.uk

For those of you in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, please contact your Ministers and ask them to bring in a ban on ALL wild animals in circuses (including zebra, snakes racoons etc.) as a matter of priority.

Northern Ireland:

Michelle O’Neill MLA:  privateoffice@dardni.gov.uk

Scotland:

Richard Lochhead MSP: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Wales:

Alun Davies AM: Correspondence.Alun.Davies@Wales.gsi.gov.uk

“Various letters I sent regards ban:-

THE FINAL CURTAIN: UK Government Announces 2015 Ban On wild Animals In Circuses In England

“At last, the big top is falling…but I wish it applied to all animals.  All animals in circuses are deprived of their basic needs to exercise, roam, socialize, forage, and play. Horses will still be  forced to perform confusing and physically challenging tricks. Former Ringling animal crew employees contacted PETA & reported that horses are grabbed by the throat, stabbed with pitchforks, punched in the face, given painful “lip twists,” and whipped. All animals feel pain, fear, loneliness, stress etc. So why ban one & not the other?? Or am I asking too much? I am very happy that wild animals will finally be banned; but I would have felt a lot happier had it been a ban on all animals performing in circuses!”

UK Government announces 2015 ban on wild animals in travelling circuses in England 

Today, draft legislation was announced that would see it become an offence to use wild animals in travelling circuses in England from 2015.

The Born Free Foundation has worked consistently for an end to the use of wild animals in circuses since its inception in 1984. Foundation representatives participated in the first Circus Working Group in the mid-1990s, and the second in 2004. Over the years Born Free has seen many lows, and precious few highs. Yet, throughout, the message has been the same: a travelling circus simply cannot meet the needs of wild animals.

Virginia McKenna OBE, Founder of the Born Free Foundation, said: “It has taken a long time – too long – but at last the end is in sight. I know for many, many people this will be a reason to rejoice. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make a ban a reality, including Parliamentarians of all Parties. Victories for common-sense and compassion are all too rare. “

It is disappointing that it has taken this long to get to this stage, given that the recent initiative to ban originated in discussions that took place prior to the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Nonetheless, the draft legislation should be welcomed as finally reflecting public, Parliamentary and expert opinion.

Born Free remains committed to supporting the enactment of similar legislation in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and for an end to the use of wild animals in circuses worldwide.

Will Travers OBE, the Foundation’s CEO, commented: “I hardly dared imagine we would see such a day when, year after year, meeting after meeting, the NGOs participating in the various Circus Working Groups churned through the evidence, debated the practicalities, fought against Defra’s institutional inertia and Government opposition to a ban. Our supporters have been amazing as have our colleagues in other organisations. One more form of wild animal exploitation is on its way out.”

It would not have been possible to achieve this without the support of campaign partners the RSPCA, CAPS and the BVA, and without the help of Born Free supporters. The work of the Zoo Check team is central to the work of the Foundation, and they work tirelessly to protect animals in zoos, circuses, as pets and in the tourist trade around the world.

Anne The Elephant, Abused in Great British Circus By Groom. Owners were charged

If you would like to help support the Foundation’s work on captive animal welfare, please consider becoming a member of the Born Free Foundation or making a donation: www.bornfree.org.uk/give

News Link:–http://www.bornfree.org.uk/index.php?id=34&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1294&cHash=65344dfb5e3eb3050faa966a39c7b845&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BornFreeNews+%28Born+Free%3A+Latest+News%29

Circuses Blow Their Top At Lion Licensing Plan

“The Government have promised to enforce a ban, then used an Austrian case as a get out clause…it’s stupid there is absolutely nothing stopping the UK Government from implementing a ban apart from their own stupid red herrings. It’s costing a fortune for the licence system when it would have cost nothing had they just used the amended Animal & Welfare Act to implement a ban.

“I’ve already done a lot of work regarding a ban, now it’s just getting F-ing ridiculous, makes me not proud to live in a Country that will probably be the last in the worl, to ban wild animals in circuses; when it should have been the first, as they have had years worth of undercover video to prove the beatings etc. I’m overwhelmed & shock at their disrespect for the majority of British public & back bench Ministers who want a ban on wild animals in circuses”

Owners say proposal is ‘disrespectful’ and could drive them out of business…“Good”

A plan to force circuses to license all their lions, tigers and elephants – thrashed out after the Government shelved an outright ban on performing wild animals – could still drive many circuses out of business, owners have warned.

Circus representatives told ministers the compromise was “disrespectful”, imposed unreasonable costs and would stop them hitting animals to control and train them. Notes from a secret meeting between the sides, obtained by The Independent on Sunday, show that circuses were also angered by a government press statement headed “Animals deserve our respect”.

Animal-rights activists insisted the documents confirmed their “long-held concerns about the welfare of wild animals in circuses”.

The official report of the meeting, between senior figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, three circuses, the Performing Animals Welfare Standards International and the Classical Circus Association, said the costs to circuses were too high and “unreasonable”, given that a ban was still possible, and that the costs should be absorbed by the Government.

The document also reported that the circus delegates had complained that “no hitting at all ignores various circumstances (such as breaking up fights)”, and that “keeping animals in exercise areas overnight [was] not possible or safe”. “Exactly, they are wild animals & should not be used for entertainment, if i was poked & prodded I would get pretty upset & want to plant someone…in the animals case…perhaps take off a leg or arm!!”

It added: “Animals have to be chained so that keepers can sleep. Tethers (chain or otherwise) are not only appropriate but vital. Elephants will sleep for five to ten hours every day as a minimum – [keepers] can’t sit and guard them for that time.”Well God forbid the keepers don’t get any sleep…F-ing stupid response”

One delegate, who asked not to be named, said: “We put forward constructive proposals, but there was no movement. They are asking us to pay to be licensed for three years and then banned at the end of it.”Why shouldn’t they pay?? Christ I have to pay a TV Licence to watch TV, along millions of other people…its all looking like like the circuses are only interested in the money they will lose, not the welfare of their animals…which should be the case!”

But Will Travers, chief executive of the Born Free Foundation, said the document showed that circuses “clearly want to continue to be able to hit animals under certain circumstances, to chain animals overnight and keep [them] in tiny spaces”. “That sums up a circus quite nicely Will, thanks!”

MPs called for a blanket ban last year, after well-publicised cases of animal cruelty in British circuses, but the Government initially opposed the move, fearing lawsuits from disgruntled owners. Robin Hargreaves, the president-elect of the British Veterinary Association, said: “The BVA has strongly supported a ban because we believe the welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within the environment of a travelling circus.” “If vets say the welfare of animals can’t be met, then they can’t be met, time to say bye bye to circuses. If only the public would stop going, I really can’t understand how, after all the documented brutality to the animals…that public still want to go!”

Martin Burton, owner of Zippo’s Circus – which does not use wild animals – said: “There are animal rights activists who lie and cheat and cause harm, but it is the circuses that the Government comes after.” Well of course a circus owner is going to say that..but pictures or video can only show & tell the truth!” 

News Link:-http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/circuses-blow-their-top-at-lion-licensing-plan-8326458.html

“Take a look at how animals are treated, then ask yourself whether it is fair to support the cruelty they face on a daily basis?”

Uploaded by animaldefenders on 5 Dec 2006

The Truth About The
Treatment of Animals In Circuses

Filmed by Animal Defenders International,
this video lifts the lid on the use and abuse
of animals in entertainment.

• the violence used to train and control
the animals

• the small cages, temporary pens, and
chains the animals live and die in

• the long journeys

• the unnatural conditions

• the animals driven out of their minds
by boredom and deprivation

“There is only one sure fire way of stopping animals from being beaten in circuses around the world…

“THAT’S FOR THE PUBLIC TO STOP GOING…IT’S IN YOUR HANDS …SO BLOODY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT…TAKING A CHILD TO A CIRCUS WILL ONLY TEACH THEM THAT IT’S OK FOR WILD ANIMALS OR ANY OTHER ANIMALS TO LIVE LIKE THAT…TAKE THEM TO A WELL A WILD LIFE SANCTUARY – THEY WILL LEARN MUCH MORE ABOUT THE ANIMALS THERE, PROMISE!!!”

 

Animals as photo props -Take Action

Published on 11 Jul 2012 by bornfreefoundation

The use of animals for souvenir photographs is a popular activity in many global tourist resorts, and even in zoos, but this activity can have severe consequences for the animals involved. Please don’t support the use of animals as photographic props and if you do encounter this activity on your travels, please contact Born Free at http://www.bornfree.org.uk/TAA

Visited a zoo or circus? Not happy with what you’ve seen? Whether in UK or overseas, you can take positive action. By sending us details of what you have seen, we can advise you on how best to approach the relevant authorities.

Do you have information on zoological collections, circuses, dolphinaria, individual caged animals, animals used as photographic props, magic shows with animals or any other form of wild animal exploitation?

We want to hear from YOU and together we can make a difference!

It is vital that the information you send us about your experience includes all the necessary facts. Describing cages as ‘small’ and animal conditions as ‘terrible’ will not provide enough information to encourage relevant authorities to take action.

Photographs or video footage is a superb way of providing proper ‘evidence’. This is the information we need:

1. Take a photographic record, either stills or film, this kind of evidence is so useful!

2. Collect as much information as you can:

• Which animals are involved? How many? Describe their condition.
• What does the ‘entertainment’ consist of? Is direct contact involved?
• Who are the people or company behind the exploitation?
• Is the event or establishment advertised or promoted?
• Who is involved in this promotion? (eg hotels, holiday reps etc)
• Is there literature you can collect? (eg leaflets, brochures etc)
• Who are the main audience or visitors?
• What other details can you note? (eg size of enclosures, any enrichment etc)

3. Report what you have seen:

• Explain your concern to your tour representative, operator and/or your hotel, and send a follow-up letter.
• Also fill in a complaints form and send us the details.
• If you are about to visit a zoo, circus etc. check out the further information below and download ourchecklist – PDF 46KB
  
• In addition to informing the Born Free Foundation about animal neglect, suffering and cruelty, please also inform your tour operator who is obliged to investigate your claims. This will also ensure that animal welfare remains an important issue on their agenda.

Read more:-http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/zoo-check/travellers-animal-alert/take-action

Gabon’s Ivory Will Go Up in Smoke

In a dramatic statement of principle, the Central African nation of Gabon will today burn its 4.8 tonne elephant ivory stockpile – a move which has been widely applauded by the international conservation community.

The Born Free Foundation believes this landmark gesture by Gabon sends a clear and unambiguous message to the criminal networks involved in international wildlife crime: that illegal trading in elephant ivory will no longer be tolerated.

“This is a momentous day for Gabon and speaks volumes about the seriousness of the elephant poaching situation today” said Will Travers OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Born Free Foundation.  “I hope that Gabon’s decisive action will alert consumers of ivory in China, decision-makers in Brussels and those who believe the ivory trade should be legalised, to the hard truth – that demand is wiping out Africa’s elephants”.

Wildlife trade analysts described 2011 as an annus horribilis for the African elephant and many experts now believe poaching stands at its highest level for 20 years.  Last week, a report submitted to CITES (the 175 nations that have ratified the International Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora), identified China as the primary destination for this illicit trade.

Ian Redmond OBE, Wildlife Consultant to the Born Free Foundation exclaimed: “Gabon’s ivory bonfire (a true bonfire of the vanities, given the uses to which ivory is put) sends a clear signal to the world – the ivory trade must end.  Why is this so important?   Because the elephant is not only an icon of African wildlife and culture.  They are also widely viewed as a super-keystone species or “mega-gardeners of the forest”.   Their role as seed dispersal agents and landscape gardeners is critical to the health of their forest, and their forests are in turn critical to global climate stability.”

Please read the rest:- http://www.bloodyivory.org/news/gabon-ivory-burn

The Zoochotic Report – Look At What We Are Doing To Animals??

“Not ashamed to say this video made me cry, what are we doing to the poor animals we incarcerate in zoo’s? It’s just not right to make animals live in an un-natural environment with nothing to stimulate them. The same can be said of circuses, the animals suffer for our entertainment, an its wrong! We imprison them, to make money, to poke fun at; what right have we got to do this? I’m sure if I was locked in a cage with nothing to do, I too would go mad!”

“This is 2012, if you want to see a lion, go on a safari to Africa. For those that are kept for conservation reason’s, we must make sure we provide them with everything they would have if still wild. We have the ability to replicate any landscape, the only thing we can’t do is ensure the weather is correct for a certain species, but that’s easy fixed. Don’t have polar bear conservation in the UK, have it only in Countries that have exceptionally cold weather etc.”

“We have got to start thinking less about our needs, as entertainment & more about the animals. If one can’t afford to visit Africa to see a lion, there are some awesome wildlife programs on TV…so we really don’t need zoo’s anymore, do we??”

The Zoochotic Report – Quite simply, madness!

 

Published on 24 Apr 2012 by bornfreefoundation

Zoo Check Charitable Trust (now the Born Free Foundation), 1993.

Video observations by the late Bill Travers, taken over 3 years in over 100 zoos in Europe, North America and the Far East, the Zoochotic Report raised serious concern about the effects of captivity on wild animals. The Report helped form the philosophies for the Foundation and its animal welfare objectives.

“In every zoo I visited when compiling the Zoochotic Report, I witnessed some sort of abnormal behaviour” Bill Travers, Co-Founder of Zoo Check