The Stage

Beasts’ burden

Published Monday 8 March 2010 at 17:55

In recent weeks there has been a lively discussion on the subject of animals performing in circuses.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between wild and domestic animals. There is no real objection to animals such as dogs and horses, which have been bred for centuries to work comfortably with humans. It is the use of wild animals which causes the outrage.

There are, no doubt, circuses in Europe and elsewhere in which wild animals are employed and where they are treated with care and consideration. Andrew Lewis’ letter (“Creature comforts”, Stage Talk, February 25, page 8) says: “Animals are very well looked after in circuses worldwide.” But this is not always so. Here is a true account of one sickening case.

In south-west France, there are several small travelling circuses. One’s attractions include a ‘zoo’, consisting of a few cages on rickety trailers in which, sick, mad and slowly dying animals are carted around and exhibited. A mangy lioness, a cheetah with missing claws and bleeding paws, a family of baboons chained by the neck. This circus sets up for a few days on a small town car park. The noises are distressing, the smell atrocious. The creatures are fed on out of date meat from the local supermarket. In the small medieval town where I spend the summer, many of the townsfolk became so sickened by this annual visitation that they complained to the mayor. As a result, the circus was banned from appearing in the town, but it still plies its disgusting trade around the neighbouring towns and villages.

Mr Lewis asserts that “all animals in circuses worldwide are inspected on a regular basis by vets”, but it seems obvious to me that, had these wretched animals been inspected by a vet, they wouldn’t still be on the road.

What possible entertainment could be derived from such a spectacle? This is the kind of thing that brings decent circuses into disrepute and if they have any clout with Brussels, they should make sure that these flea-bitten outfits are driven out of business as soon as possible.

Annie Bright

Poplar Walk

Herne Hill

London SE24