Uk (England): What the Majority of Brits Want – Uk Circus Owners to Be Prosecuted for Abuse to Anne the Elephant.

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15675102

 

Anne is now safe and free from the circus – living at Longleat Wildlife Park

Elephant cruelty case: Bobby Roberts’ Circus owners charged

Anne the elephant was moved to Longleat Safari Park earlier this year

Two circus owners have been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an elephant.

Action was originally brought by Animal Defenders International (ADI) which investigated the elephant’s welfare at Bobby Roberts’ circus in Peterborough.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had now taken over the prosecution of husband and wife Bobby and Moira Roberts, who run the circus.

The elephant, Anne, was later moved to Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire.

Mr and Mrs Roberts will appear before Corby Magistrates’ Court, in Northamptonshire, on 16 November.

Shock and dismay

They are accused of keeping the 58-year-old elephant chained to the ground at all times.

They are also accused of failing to prevent an employee from repeatedly beating Anne.

The elephant was brought from Sri Lanka to The Bobby Roberts Super Circus in Peterborough in the 1950s.

A CPS spokesman said: “Given the public concern over the case, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has now agreed that the CPS take over and continue the legal proceedings against the Roberts.”

Moira Roberts told the BBC News website: “We are shocked and dismayed, we honestly felt this would get thrown out.

“We’ve done nothing wrong. It’s been the worst year of our lives.

“We’ve been in business a long time and financially and mentally we’ve had the worst year of our lives.”

The ADI, a worldwide animal welfare organisation, carried out an undercover investigation between 21 January and 15 February this year and filmed the elephant in a barn in Polebrook, Northamptonshire.

Jan Creamer, ADI chief executive, said: “We are delighted that the CPS are taking on this prosecution and will assist them as necessary.”

CPS STATEMENT ON ANNE THE ELEPHANT

The Crown Prosecution Service has today agreed to take on the prosecution of Bobby and Moira Roberts in relation to the mistreatment of their circus elephant “Anne”.

The prosecution was originally brought as a private prosecution by Animal Defenders International (ADI), a worldwide animal welfare organisation which carried out an investigation into Anne’s welfare at the Roberts’ circus in Peterborough during the period of 21st January to 15th February 2011.

Earlier this month, the CPS was approached by the legal representatives in the case with a view to the CPS taking over the prosecution. Given the public concern over the case, the Director of Public Prosecutions has now agreed that the CPS take over and continue the legal proceedings against the Roberts.

Mr and Mrs Roberts are jointly charged with the following offences:

1. Causing the elephant to suffer unnecessarily, by requiring the elephant to be chained to the ground at all times, contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
2. Failing to take reasonable steps to prevent their employee from causing unnecessary suffering to the elephant, by repeatedly beating it, contrary to section 4(2) of the same Act
3. Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of the elephant were met to the extent required by good practice, contrary to section 9 of the same Act

The private prosecution was commenced by ADI on 18th July 2011 at Northampton Magistrates Court. Now that the CPS is prosecuting the case, the adjourned first appearance will take place at Corby Magistrates Court on 16th November. At that hearing the court is likely to give directions in preparation for the trial.

Anne is a 58 year old female elephant brought from Sri Lanka to The Bobby Roberts Super Circus in the 1950s. Anne was subsequently transferred to a safari park with the owners’ consent. These defendants have the right to a fair trial. It is important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice their trial.

SOURCE:
Animal Defenders International
Millbank Tower
Millbank
London SW1P 4QP, UK.
Tel.  +44 (0)20 7630 3340
Fax.  +44 (0)20 7828 2179

ADI calls for Anne the elephant’s plight to become symbolic of UK wild animals in circuses ban

Source: Animal Defenders International – press release

Sir Paul McCartney pledges support for ADI’s campaign

Following the announcement by the Crown Prosecution Service that it has agreed to take on the prosecution of Bobby and Moira Roberts in relation to the mistreatment of their circus elephant Anne, Animal Defenders International (ADI) is now calling for her plight to become symbolic of a UK wild animal circus ban.

And Sir Paul McCartney has pledged his support to ADI’s campaign.

Sir Paul said: “I hate to see wild animals in circuses. It is heartbreaking to see these poor animals confined in small cages and carted around the country with little respect for their welfare and well-being. I have made my feelings known previously on this subject and I believe an outright ban is long overdue.”

Jan Creamer, ADI’s Chief Executive said: “We are very grateful to Sir Paul for supporting our campaign and helping to highlight the plight of wild animals currently languishing in UK circuses during this crucial time.

“Government has recently announced that a ban is not an immediate possibility and has decided to proceed with a licensing system instead. This decision flies in the face of what MPs and the British public demand and it is high time that this Government started listening to the will of the country.

“Let’s make Anne the elephant symbolic of a UK ban and ban the use of wild animals in circuses for good.”

In June this year, a backbench debate saw over 50 MPs from all of the major parties vote unanimously for a motion tabled by Mark Pritchard MP, calling on the Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses by July 2012.

Following the Parliamentary recess, MPs have continued to put pressure on the Government, with cross-party MPs tabling Parliamentary Questions on the issue of wild animals in circuses and ADI is continuing to work with them.

Zac Goldsmith, Tory MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston said: “A motion calling for a ban passed unopposed through Parliament, and is backed by a big majority of people. I sincerely hope the Government will take steps now to implement that ban for the sake of the animals involved.”

Adrian Sanders, the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay said: “The will of parliament as expressed on the 23 June 2011 is not being actioned by the Government through its proposed licensing system. It falls well short of the welfare standards parliament demanded.”

Kerry McCarthy, the Labour MP for Bristol East said: “A ban on the use of wild animals in circuses is long overdue. The old fashioned practice of removing wild animals from their natural environments for the purpose of entertaining an audience is inhumane and cruel. Behind the curtains the brutality that these wild animals receive is utterly deplorable and should have no place in our society. I am urging the Government to act now, the overwhelming support this campaign has received demonstrates that the public agrees that this outdated and cruel form of entertainment should be banned without delay.”

Earlier this year, ADI released the results of its independent online poll carried out by YouGov, which asked impartial participants aged over 18 to what extent they would support or oppose a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. A massive 72% of the public backed a ban with only 8% against – almost 3 out 4 members of the public therefore wanted a ban.

In 2010, a public consultation by Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) resulted in a huge 94.5% public support for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

National measures to prohibit or limit the use of animals in circuses have already been adopted in Bolivia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Singapore, Costa Rica, India and Israel and similar laws are being discussed in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Greece.

Jan concluded: “All of these countries have looked at the evidence and then taken the right decision for animal welfare and protection.

It is time that the UK Government now did the same.”

ENDS

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »

Uk: Despite Attempts By David Cameron To Kill The Introduction of Legislation, It Is Now The ‘Start of the End’ For Wild Animals In English and Uk Circuses.

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

SAV Comment.

Thursday 23rd June 2011 has been a monumental day fo circus animals in England and the rest of the Uk.  Despite overwhelming attempts by a government led by David Cameron (Prime Minister) to block the legislation calling for a ban, which included putting personal pressure on MPs involved in the issue, a vote in the House of Commons on the afternoon of 23/06/11 has now started the official wheels turning to enforce a ban on the use of all wild animals in circuses.

SAV wishes to especially congratulate Mark Pritchard MP for having the resolve to continue with his fight to introduce this legislation, despite major threats and opposition from David Cameron; who all of us in the Uk animal welfare lobby know is NO real friend of the animals or of legislation aimed at improving animal welfare.

Yesterday was a major defeat for those who wished to take no real, positive action in defence of animal welfare.  95% of the British public wanted a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.  The government led by David Cameron even established an on line consultation to ask the public what they felt.  When the British public overwhelmingly showed they wanted a ban; the government ignored the wishes of the public and instead attempted to use EU and human rights laws as a feeble attempt to refuse the introduction of a ban.

The brilliant campaign group ‘Animal Defenders’ http://www.ad-international.org/about_us/  instructed Bircham Dyson Bell, leading Solicitors and Parliamentary Agents, to research the conformity of a ban on wild animals in circuses with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Union Services Directive.

All the findings of the research showed one thing –

“there are No obstacles left in the way for Government to implement outright ban”.

The parliamentary vote on 23/06/11 dealt a massive blow; another blow to the current government; a government now known as the “U turn government” because of the amount of reversing and back tracking and changes it is doing with regard its fledgling policies.

The use of wild animals in circuses is yet another issue where the government has been blown apart.

Thursday 23rd June 2011 was a great day for Uk circus animals.  It is the start of the end for beautiful animals performing cheap and degrading tricks for an uneducated audience.

The following links provide more information on this historic event.

SAV.

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Watch the great speech by Mark Pritchard MP in the (London) House of Commons debate on 23/06/11 via the following BBC link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13884165

Congratulations Mark !!

Latest (24/06/11) from Animal Defenders:

http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2179&ssi=10

Anne the elephant beaten at Bobby Roberts Circus:

http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2075&ssi=10

Anne the elephant safe at last

Anne the elephant has made a safe journey to Longleat Safari Park this morning after being handed over by Bobby Roberts Super Circus.
Read more…

http://www.ad-international.org/media_centre/gallery.php?g=94

Link:  http://www.haringeyindependent.co.uk/uk_national_news/9103884.No_10_climbdown_on_circus_ban_calls/

—————————————————————————————

No. 10 climbdown on circus ban calls

12:30am Friday 24th June 2011

Downing Street has signalled it will bow to pressure over MPs’ demands for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

But there are still “unavoidable legal difficulties” that must be overcome before the practice can be outlawed, officials have insisted.

Ministers have steadfastly opposed the move fearing the Government will be left open to lawsuits from circus owners and workers. MPs agreed, however, to direct the coalition to introduce a ban from July next year after a debate in the Commons.

Although the decision is not binding, it is highly embarrassing for the Government and has heaped pressure on ministers to act. A Downing Street source said: “The Government will recognise the will of the House.”

Tory Mark Pritchard, who led the backbench call for a ban, claimed he had been threatened by the Prime Minister’s office unless he backed down.

In an open show of defiance, Wrekin MP Mr Pritchard told MPs he was first offered “incentive and reward” if he complied with the wishes of the party hierarchy but as he stood firm pressure was “ratcheted up” on him.

He said: “I had a call from the Prime Minister’s office directly and I was told that, unless I withdraw this motion, the Prime Minister himself said he would look upon it very dimly indeed.”

Mr Pritchard said: “I will not be bullied by any other whips. This is an issue I have campaigned on for many years.”

There are currently three travelling circuses in the UK, with a total of 39 wild animals, including zebras, lions, tigers and camels. Agriculture minister Jim Paice said Government lawyers advised that it was “highly likely” ministers would be challenged on the basis that an outright ban was “disproportionate in terms of improving welfare in circuses”.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokeswoman said: “The Government will listen to the view of the House and is sympathetic to the motion for a ban. We will continue to look carefully at how this could be introduced, but there are unavoidable legal difficulties that we cannot ignore.”

Link:  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/27000-sign-wild-animal-circus-ban-petition-2299007.html

27,000 sign wild animal circus ban petition

By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent

Friday, 17 June 2011

Almost 27,000 have signed The Independent’s online petition calling for the Government to ban wild animals in circuses, pushing it within a few thousand of its target.

The Independent is hoping that 30,000 people will put their name to the petition by Thursday when MPs vote on whether to direct the Coalition to introduce a ban.

Related articles

28,000 sign circuses petition ahead of crucial vote

Animal welfare groups are concerned that some MPs who have signed Commons motions backing a ban will not turn up because the three-hour backbench debate takes place on a Thursday afternoon when many would normally return to their constituencies.

In the run up to the vote, the RSPCA and other organisations are encouraging supporters to contact their MP urging them to vote.

Meanwhile The Independent is making a final appeal for people to sign its petition.

Signing it, Jenny Parker, of Sherborne, Dortset, wrote: “I find it hard to believe that in the so-called enlightened 21st century that we still have to petition the Government to ban such cruel and unnatural acts as performing animals in circuses.” Annik Piriou, from Oxford, remarked: “I would prefer to see animals in their natural environment, even if it is only on TV.”

The Captive Animals Protection Society, which is backing The Independent’s campaign, appealed for the public’s help.

Its director Liz Tyson said: “The numbers showing their support for a ban is growing daily – demonstrated by the almost 27,000 people that have signed the Independent petition. Interestingly, a petition set up just six days after this one, showing the level of support for keeping animals in circuses currently boasts only 594 signatures.”

She added: “We know that there are almost 200 MPs that have formally pledged their support for a ban by signing the EDM and many more who have told us they are behind us on this one but without this support being translated into votes, the animals will continue to suffer. We implore MP’s to attend the debate and make their opinion heard next Thursday.”

Ricky Gervais: “I am appalled”

Multi award winning writer and comedian Ricky Gervais said: “Animal Defenders International’s recent footage of Anne the elephant being beaten graphically displays why the government should ban wild animals in circuses. I am appalled that wild animals are still kept in circuses and fully support the call for a ban. It is high time that Government got on and implemented one.”

Celebrity Designer Meg Mathews said: “As an advocate of animal welfare, the footage released by ADI of poor Annie the elephant being so cruelly treated made me sick to my stomach. It’s time for this government to stop dragging its heels and finally take action to end the suffering that animals like Anne endure every day in UK circuses.”

Brian May, legendary guitarist, song writer and founding member of Queen said: “The use of wild animals in circuses is cruel, distasteful and unacceptable in the 21st century. Our present government is currently backing away from ending this abhorrent practice. We at ‘Save-Me’ call on David Cameron personally to act now, and take a step towards making Britain worthy of its desired status as a nation of animal-lovers. While wild animals still exist in circuses, we remain very far away from that title.”

Star of Miss Marple and theatre director Julia McKenzie said: “The Government needs to listen to the will of the Great British public and implement a wild animal circuses ban without further delay. Their decision is flawed and needs rapid review. I urge the Minister to reconsider.”

Actor, historian and writer John Nettles said: “I am absolutely amazed that wild animals in circuses still exist in the UK. I was appalled when ADI informed me of Government’s recent decision and I would urge all animal lovers to get behind their campaign in the interests of animal protection and welfare.”

Radio personality, DJ, presenter and broadcaster Mark Radcliffe said: “I am amazed that wild animal circuses still exist in the UK, and like the vast majority of the public and politicians I want to see a ban on their use once and for all – and I want this to happen now. Successive governments have been mulling this issue over now for far too long, and it is high time that the Coalition Government acted decisively to bring an end to this animal suffering – once and for all. They have been provided with all the evidence and information that they need and it is time to now listen to the will of the UK public.”

Comedian, actor and author Alexei Sayle said: “There are many grey areas in matters of morality – using wild animals in circuses is not one of these grey areas. It is simply and obviously wrong and indefensible. The sooner this blot on a civilised country is eradicated the better it will be for all of us – animals and humans.”

And the poet, novelist and playwright Benjamin Zephaniah said: “There are so many ways that intelligent human beings can have fun, and exploiting animals should not be one of them. Beautiful animals are not for our entertainment, in fact it’s our duty to respect and protect them. I am a real animal lover and I would never go to a circus that had wild animals, so I’m appealing to the Government to heed ADI’s advice. The Great British public have made it clear, they demand better, so the Government should do the right thing for animal welfare by implementing a ban.”

Mark Pritchard MP, Jim Fitzpatrick MP and Bob Russell MP have secured a three hour backbench cross party debate to discuss the issue in the Chamber on Thursday 23 June commencing at 3pm and running to 6pm.

Immediately afterwards a vote is expected to be taken urging that the Coalition Government uses its powers to introduce a regulation banning the use of all wild animals in circuses.

A copy of the joint letter to the Prime Minister can be viewed here.

**Recent History:  Animal Defenders Show that there would be NO breaches of Acts, despite what the government says.

Link:  http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2157&ssi=10

ADI’s legal advice: circus ban would not breach Human Rights Act or European Services Directive

Posted: 2 June 2011. Updated: 2 June 2011

No obstacles left in way for Government to implement outright ban.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has received expert legal advice stating that an outright ban on the use of wild animals in circuses would not breach the Human Rights Act or the EU Services Directive, once again paving the way for the Coalition Government to implement a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses without further delay.

ADI’s latest announcement follows their statement last week that Defra officials had indicated in 2009 that it was possible to introduce a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses under the auspices of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The week previously ADI had exposed the Government as being incorrect by uncovering that there was no Austrian legal challenge in the courts, cited by the Government as a primary reason not to ban.

Jan Creamer, Chief Executive of ADI said: “We have proved conclusively that there is no Austrian legal challenge, no need for new legislation and that a ban would not breach the Human Rights Act nor the EU Services Directive.

“Once again, ministers have been found wanting and we have proved the Coalition Government to be incorrect, legally and factually. Every obstacle they have put in the way to prevent an outright ban has now been knocked down. The government needs to stop looking for excuses and bring in a ban. 95% of the public wants a ban, parliament wants a ban, it is therefore in the public interest to bring in a ban.”

Knocked out: Human Rights Act

Last week, lawyers instructed by ADI analysed if a ban could potentially affect a person’s right to respect for private and family life under the UK’s Human Rights Act (HRA) (article 8) and the protection for property (article 1 of protocol 1 HRA). The advice concluded that a ban would be within the ‘margin of appreciation’ afforded to the UK.

Furthermore, the legal advice is that if a ban is proposed because it is considered ethically wrong in itself to use wild animals in circuses, a ban would be the only measure which would achieve this public interest aim and would be automatically proportionate. Therefore, the ban would not be in breach of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights

Knocked out: EU Services Directive

In addition, it was concluded that the UK would not be in contravention of the EU Services Directive by implementing national legislation which banned the use of wild animals in circuses and it would not be unlawful under EU law generally.

The European Court of Justice would accord a Member State a wide degree of discretion in this matter and since 2002 the European Commission has reiterated that the decision would be at the discretion of the individual Member State, and they would not wish to become involved.

Tim Phillips, ADI’s Campaigns Director said: “ADI’s recent exposé at the winter quarters of Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus, which showed the appalling abuse of Anne the elephant and Monty the camel and led to a worldwide public outcry, has provided the Government with the perfect opportunity to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

“However, the Coalition Government seems to be going to great lengths to place obstacles in the way and create smoke screens. What is becoming clear to us is their decision not to ban and subsequent actions continues to undermine their position, which is becoming increasingly untenable and the pressure is not subsiding. The Government ignores the will of the UK public at its peril, and may soon discover this to their detriment.”

Earlier this week ADI and other animal protection groups including Animal Aid, BVA, PETA, WSPA and RSPCA sent a joint open letter to the Prime Minister, requesting that he rethinks his Government’s current position.

ADI is in the process of drafting a series of legal briefings for politicians to keep the pressure up on the Government to do the right thing morally and ethically – wild animals do not belong in travelling circuses.

ADI instructed Bircham Dyson Bell, leading Solicitors and Parliamentary Agents, to research the conformity of a ban on wild animals in circuses with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Union Services Directive.

—————————————-

SAY THANKS TO MP’s WHO VOTED FOR THE BAN:

Dear friends,

Please have a look at this:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/end-circus-cruelty-say-thankyou

This week MPs voted to ban the cruel use of wild animals by circuses. The ban isn’t law yet, but it could be if MPs keep pushing the government to end this cruel and outdated practice.

I’ve just added my name to a letter to MPs thanking them for what they’ve done so far and urging them to keep pushing for a circus ban.

I thought you might want to sign the letter too.

Click here to find out more and sign the letter now:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/end-circus-cruelty-say-thankyou

Thanks,
Mark

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, VIDEOS | Leave a comment »

Uk; (Uk Supporters ONLY) Roll Up, Roll Up To The Ugliest Show On Earth – Take Action Now, Before 23/06, And Call Your MP To Vote For A Ban On Wild Animals In British Circuses.

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

*** ACTION FOR UK SUPPORTERS ONLY *** – Please Act Immediately !!

This Thursday, MPs will vote in parliament on whether or not to ban the cruel use of wild animals by circuses.

If the vote goes the right way, it would be a massive step towards ending this cruel and outdated practice.

We need to use the next two days to persuade our MPs to protect the tigers, lions and zebras suffering right now in British circuses.

Please take 2 minutes to send your MP a quick message:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/end-circus-animal-cruelty

Forcing wild animals to perform in circuses causes needless suffering. Beautiful wild beasts – like tigers, lions and zebras – are shunted around the country in trailers, kept alone in small cages, and forced to perform.

The best circuses have long abandoned this cruel practice and wow their audiences with talented acrobats and clowns. This Thursday’s vote is an opportunity to finally tackle those few dodgy circuses that still exploit wild animals. If we work together we can persuade our MPs to do the right thing.

Tell your MP to vote against circus animal cruelty this Thursday:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/end-circus-animal-cruelty

Animal welfare experts like the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association all back a ban on circus animal cruelty. [1] But in April this year, the government suddenly dropped plans to take action. This is despite evidence that 7 out of 10 people want circus animal cruelty stopped. [2] This Thursday’s vote is our chance to persuade the government to act.

We know that 38 Degrees members can work together to help stop the cruel treatment of animals. Earlier this year, people power stopped plans for a giant “mega-dairy”, where cows would have been kept indoors all year round and not allowed to eat grass. Now let’s do the same to persuade our MPs to back a ban on the cruel use of wild animals in circuses.

Tell your MP to vote against animal cruelty this Thursday, by sending them a quick e-mail:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/end-circus-animal-cruelty

Thanks for being involved,
Marie, David, Johnny, Hannah, Cian, Becky and the 38 Degrees team

PS: Too often, circus animals are deliberately abused. For example, earlier this year Animal Defenders International revealed footage of Annie, an elderly circus elephant, being beaten with a metal pitchfork. [3] Luckily Annie was rescued after a people powered outcry. But the best and simplest way to stop all wild animals suffering in circuses is to ban circuses from keeping them. Ask your MP to back a ban here: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/end-circus-animal-cruelty

NOTES:
[1] Many animal welfare organisations have done fantastic work campaigning for a ban on wild animals in circuses, for example the RSPCA’s “The Big Stop” campaign: http://www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk/campaigns/big-stop/. The Independent newspaper has also run a high-profile campaign to end this cruel practice: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/27000-sign-wild-animal-circus-ban-petition-2299007.html

[2] Last month, a YouGov poll showed 7 out of 10 people support a ban on wild animals in circuses: http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2118&cat=7&si=1&ssi=10

[3] To learn more about Annie the elephant see: http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2075&cat=7&si=1&ssi=10

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »

Uk: Uk Conservative Government Headed by David Cameron Blocks Circus Ban and Ignores The Consulted Wishes of 94% Of The British Public !

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Captive Animals Protection Society, PO Box 591, Manchester, M12 0DP, England, UK.

 

International Support Welcome – Please Sign the Petition Detailed Below.

In the Uk, David Cameron has invented this term called ‚the Big Society’ in which the public are supposed to give their views and the government will listen.  94% of the British public want an end to wild animals being used in travelling circuses in the Uk.

David Cameron is ignoring the wishes of 94% of the public and their involvement in the big society.

94% of the British Public Want A Wild Animal Ban in Circuses

– But David Cameron Does Not Agree – So No Ban !

So much for Conservative inventions such as this !

http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/uk-blocks-circus-ban/

UK Conservative Government Headed by David Cameron Blocks Circus Ban

After the highly publicized beating of Anne the elephant from Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus last month, a ban on using wild animals in British circuses looked very promising.

But now the government headed by David Cameron has done a complete turnaround and intends to block their support for a ban.

Despite repeated polls that show between 80 and 94 percent of the British public wants to end the use of wild animals in the three traveling circuses in the UK and despite promises of support from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), ministers are expected to announce their preference for “self-regulation by circuses.” 

The Independent said the move comes from the Prime Minister (David Cameron) who “wishes to reduce Government regulation.”

The Independent launched its own campaign calling for the Prime Minister to rethink the ban and announce a timetable to implement one.  More than 6,000 people signed their petition.

Click Here for information on the petition.

They wrote:

Amid widespread public disapproval, the number of circuses using wild animals has fallen steadily from 20 in 1997 to three today. They use more than 20 animals. The Great British Circus is touring with at least five tigers and two camels, and is breeding lions for future performances. Peter Jolly’s Circus has four pythons, a zebra, a camel and one horned African cattle called an ankole, while Circus Mondao has two zebras and two camels. All three circuses say their animals are well looked after, travel only short distances and are not harmed by their trainers.

A ban has the support of animal welfare organizations such as Animal Defenders International, Born Free, Captive Animals’ Protection Society, RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, which represents 12,000 veterinarians.

Click Here for information on the petition.

The RSPCA reported the animals live in one quarter of the minimum space that is required in a zoo and their circus training, transportation and performance causes “damage to their mental wellbeing.”

Liz Tyson, director of the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, said:

“From an ethical standpoint, there is no justification for people to teach animals tricks or to force them to perform for our entertainment. We regularly get people saying to us: ‘I can’t believe this is still legal.’ People make the assumption that we have got the highest standards for animal welfare in the world but the reality is that we are falling behind – Bolivia introduced a ban on the use of all animals in circuses in 2009.”

The circuses countered by saying the animals are well cared for and they travel no more than 20 miles with the animals confined.  They report that it’s in their best “business” interest to look after them.

Click Here for information on the petition.

Link: Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) – Uk based organisation:

The Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) is a UK-based charity leading the campaign to end the use of animals in entertainment.

Through a combination of undercover investigations, research, campaigns, political lobbying and education, CAPS aims to stop the exploitation of animals in entertainment, particularly in circuses, zoos and the exotic pet trade.

Website link:  http://www.captiveanimals.org/

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere ! | Leave a comment »

Ukraine: Please Sign the Petition to Stop (Ukraine) Circus Animal Abuses.

Posted on November 13, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Animals in Ukraine are popular attractions in circuses and mobile zoos. Unfortunately, the living conditions for these animals often include exposure to the elements, dirty cages and abuse.

And there are no laws to protect them.

Tell Ukraine to pass legislation to protect animals.»

The Association of Animal Protection Organizations of Ukraine has started a petition to urge the Ukraine government to protect these animals.

Below is a message from them:

Dear friends,

Please consider signing this petition to say “no” to cruelty. We hope that this petition will bring international attention to this issue in Ukraine, where animals’ rights are violated every day to entertain crowds and make money.

With this petition, we hope to shame the Ukrainian government while educating people of the world and people of Ukraine who may not be aware of this problem and its importance. We can not do this without your help!

Sincerely,
The Association of Animal Protection Societies of Ukraine.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere ! | Leave a comment »

Uk: Uk Citizens Required to Take Part in DEFRA Consultation on Use of Wild Animals in Circuses

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

 

VERY IMPORTANT! – You Can Stop Animal Circuses by Taking Part.

Defra consultation on use of wild animals in circuses (UK)]

PLEASE PASS THIS WIDELY- MANY THANKS

DEFRA have today launched a three month consultation on the use of wild
animals in circuses. See link below.

  http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/circus-wild-animals/index.htm

It is vital that we get the maximum number of submissions in favour of a
TOTAL BAN.

It is of concern that the government are not consulting on just a ban
which shows how much influence the animal circus lobby have in Defra and
government circles.

Earlier this year Bolivia banned the use of all animals in circuses with
support from the very top of its progressive and compassionate minded
government. Other countries have also banned wild animals in circuses or
are in process of doing so. That Britain (a country that is supposed to
be ahead of the game on animal welfare) still allows it is truly
shameful.

Even now with the way this consultation is worded we see that
there is a lack of moral and political leadership on this issue.

It is also just a few months before a general election and the consultation is
being launched just days before Christmas, after the government have
dragged their feet for months and months.This can be seen as  Defra
manipulating the process to ensure the launch is not picked up on widely
in the media or by the public and that time could run out to implement
any action before the election.

You can submit your submission online at link below.

Please go carefully with the questions as some are geared towards self or statutory
regulation rather than a total ban.
 
Here are some answers to those types of questions:
 
#9: NO. As with any sort of social progress, (eg: the end of slavery), adjustments will need to be made and those profiting from the exploitation of animals, will need to seek other means to supplement their greedy profiteering at the expense of other sentient beings. There must be a total ban!
 
#13: There is no appropriate answer to this question as it is contrary to the position that wild animals should be banned from traveling circuses because of the inherent cruelty in: forcing animals to perform; in confining animals to cages, crates, trucks, boxcars, chains; the inherent cruelty in removing them from their natural habitats and family groups; in depriving them of everything that is natural to their lives, when lived as the Creator intended. There must be a total ban!
  
#14: This question is objectionable as it departs from a self-serving premise that animals can/should  be allowed in travelling circuses!  That is unacceptable! There must be a total ban!
  
#16: Absolutely! Restrictions should constitute a ban at all times on the use of all animals in circuses. The hours and environment are not those that should be decided by organizations; these animals should be left in the wild or placed in sanctuaries where they can live out their days in as close to a natural setting as possible. There must be a total ban!

Also, please keep a record of when you put your submission in.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=E3r7hM6ILmQPuq6ZvblaEmzux7Mrk8Yk2PWm1yiljMw%3d& 

PLEASE GIVE THIS MAXIMUM PUBLICITY.

 Letters to local and regional press informing people of the consultation
are also helpful.

  Thanks

  Chris
  ————————————-
  MORE INFO

  http://www.captiveanimals.org/images/ethics_of_animal_circuses.pdf
 
SEAR
‘if not you…. then who?’
South East Animal Rights

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere ! | Leave a comment »

USA: Act Now for Queenie – please make a phone call or send a fax by Wednesday!

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

USA

 

 

 

Act Now for Queenie

Please make a phone call or send a fax by Wednesday!

queenie

(September 8, 2009 update) – It has been 19 days since the USDA confiscated Jewel and Tina, but left Queenie (aka Boo) behind in Leggett, Texas in the hands of the incompetent Will Davenport, who has gravely endangered the health of all three elephants. With each day that passes, IDA is more concerned about Queenie’s welfare as she remains at the mercy of a man who has shown repeatedly that he is incapable of providing her with proper and humane care.

This video contains heartbreaking and disturbing footage of Queenie, chained to a tree in Texas, swaying neurotically behind Will Davenport after the truck carrying Tina and Jewel to the San Diego Zoo had pulled away. (The video, made by Davenport’s friends in Polk County, contains many untruths, but does provide some interesting footage of the elephant confiscation.)

Even if you have already called the USDA, please take a moment by Wednesday to leave a telephone message for the Secretary of Agriculture and email the Administrator of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to urge the agency to return to Leggett immediately for Queenie and send her to a sanctuary where her safety and well-being can be assured. It’s very important to contact both USDA officials.

 

 

Tell the USDA:

It is inconceivable that the agency would leave Queenie in the “care” of Davenport, who has racked up countless Animal Welfare Act violations since receiving his USDA exhibitor’s license just two years ago.

The many outstanding legal issues regarding Will Davenport’s conduct (including his defiance of a federal order during USDA’s first confiscation attempt on August 15) provide a clear avenue for them to help Queenie.

You hold the agency directly responsible for Queenie’s welfare. After all she has been through, Queenie must be retired from public display and sent to either the PAWS sanctuary in California or The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Since Queenie has no pressing health issues requiring intensive veterinary care, she can go immediately to a sanctuary. There is no excuse for sending her to a zoo.

Note: Do not allow the USDA to tell you that they have no jurisdiction over Queenie’s care since Davenport voluntarily surrendered his USDA license – the agency has plenty of legal avenues to pursue to bring Davenport to justice and secure Queenie’s rescue.

USDA Contact Information:

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
Phone: 202 720-3631, Fax: 202-720-2166

Acting APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea
Phone: 202-720-3861 Email: Kevin.A.Shea@usda.gov

Contact Congress Too!

As your Congressperson and Senators to contact Secretary Vilsack in support of Queenie’s rescue and transfer to a sanctuary. If they have been responsive in the past, be sure to thank them for their previous help in securing Tina and Jewel’s confiscation, but let them know that Queenie has been left behind in dire circumstances.

Find your federal representatives here.

Please continue to call and email these officials until Queenie is safely housed at the PAWS sanctuary in California or The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Background on Queenie

Queenie is an Asian elephant who is estimated to be 52 years of age. She has been “owned” by the Davenport family for at least two decades and has been trucked around the country and forced to perform in circuses and to give elephant rides for years. In 2006, an undercover investigator for Animal Defenders International videotaped Queenie (also known as Boo) and another elephant named Chrissy being abused by Mike Swain, an employee of the Bailey Brothers Circus, a Davenport family operation.

In March 2007, USDA inspectors documented the continued abuse of Queenie, who was found in poor condition at a fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado. The inspection report from that time states:

“[The elephant has] excessive dead skin over most of her body and doesn’t show evidence of proper bathing for quite some time. She has urine staining and what appears to be urine scalds on her back legs. The pads on this elephant had excessive growth and there were numerous flaps of skin that had trapped debris in them. The cuticles were also excessively long.”

Queenie also had “multiple wounds draining yellowish exudates inside the left ear” . . consistent with the improper use of an ankus in the ear.”

The handler was “not properly trained or experienced.” “[He] had to continuously rely on excessive and inappropriate use of the ankus to get the elephant to perform the behaviors he was asking for during the rides and performances. . . during the rides and performances, the handler was observed repeatedly jabbing and hitting the elephant with the ankus. Several times during the elephant ride, the handler used the ankus to hit the elephant and she reacted by throwing her head and changing her gait demonstrating irritation at the action of the handler. . . This is inappropriate and abusive use of the ankus and such use is likely to cause trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm or unnecessary discomfort . . . ” (Emphasis added).

Queenie must not be left at the Davenports’ mercy. Ask USDA to act promptly to send her to a sanctuary!

For more information, please see http://www.helpelephants.com/tina_jewel_and_queenie.html

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 448-0048 Fax (415) 454-1031
idainfo@idausa.org

Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, CIRCUS, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »

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