It is always with mixed feelings that we put out a major piece of
work here at CAPS. Invariably, there is excitement as we know that the
important findings of long-term investigations and research are about to
have a big impact, but also sadness that, once again, we find ourselves
having to acknowledge the continuance of animal suffering that we want
to see assigned firmly to the past.
People will be shocked today to learn that the elephants being
subjected to day after day of demeaning performances in the Courtney
Brothers’ show were apparently imported into the European Union in
contravention of strict animal health regulations to prevent the spread
of Foot and Mouth disease. CAPS has submitted a formal complaint to the
EC, asking them to investigate and get to the bottom of this serious
issue.
Footage obtained during the investigation shows that part of the
elephant act includes a young performer jumping repeatedly up and down
on the body of an elephant as she lies on the ground. Other footage
shows performers yanking, and even swinging from, the elephants’ tails.
That this treatment can be considered entertaining is horrifying. As
well as elephants, 53 other animals endure life in the circus in
Ireland.
Irish supporters will be outraged to learn that public funds, to the
tune of almost €1,000,000 euros, have been spent on supporting animal
circuses which tour the country with lions, tigers, horses, dogs and
other animals. Animal exploitation never was, and never will be, art. We
hope you will join us in calling upon the Arts Council Ireland to
change its policy on funding for circuses to ensure that its support is
restricted to all-human shows.
CAPS is pleased to have long-term working relationships with some of
the leading animal protection groups in Ireland, and this week, we are
working with this wonderful group of campaigners to ensure that our work
has the maximum impact for the animals. AFAR, Aliberation, Circus Watch
and NARA have all endorsed this new work and we hope, with this network
of support on the ground, we can make a dent in this archaic and
exploitative industry.
We mustn’t forget that since the release of our first major
report on Irish circuses in 2006, numbers of animals have almost halved
and Arts Council funding for animal performances has significantly
decreased. We are making a difference and we must not give up.
One of the most rewarding things for the CAPS team following a
campaign launch is being able to connect with supporters, old and new,
who want to find out more and get active. Investigations always trigger
incredible positive action. People get motivated to get involved for the
first time and those who have been plugging away with their dedicated
campaigning feel a renewed energy as the campaign is given new life. We
hope that our new report on the use of animals in Irish circuses, Ring
of Cruelty II, is no exception and will inspire action for the animals.
Already, just a few hours following the launch of the report, we are
receiving messages asking that wonderful, hopeful question: “How can I
help?”
Here’s how: If you would like to get involved by attending a demo,
distributing campaign materials, writing to the Arts Council as part of
our coordinated campaign, becoming a member of CAPS or helping out in
any other way, get in touch info@captiveanimals.org. We couldn’t do it
without you!
If you haven’t read the report yet, you will find it here: www.irishcircuses.org/ringofcruelty2
