Tallaght protests spark debate into animal welfare at circuses

ANIMAL rights activists are seeking an outright ban on the use of live animals for entertainment purposes following a number of protests at a circus in Tallaght last week.

Gardaí were called to the scene on Wednesday, March 23, to investigate allegations of assault as a number of workers from Circus Belly Wien allegedly clashed with protesters at the privately owned site, located beside the former Cuckoo’s Nest pub on the Greenhills Road.

Seven people were arrested and later released without charge, according to the Garda press office. However, they declined to confirm if those arrested were workers at the circus, as has been reported. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A second protest was held the next day but passed off peacefully.

The incident has highlighted growing unease over the use of live animals in circuses. The use of animals during live shows has been banned in other countries, including the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Thirteen Irish towns and cities have banned circuses that use animals on public land.

Circus Belly Wien first arrived in Monaghan from the Netherlands. This involved a 20-hour ferry ride in tight confinement for the animals.

Laura Broxson, founder of the National Animal Rights Association (NARA), condemned the use of animals in circuses.

“No animal should ever be forced to perform tricks for people,” she declared.

A number of South Dublin councillors attended the second protest at the circus.

Cllr Dermot Richardson (Ind) said: “What happened yesterday was totally disgraceful… The only thing the gardaí can do is stop the elephants from being on public land.”

In a statement, South Dublin City Council pointed out that there are regulations in place governing the use of private land.

“The land shall not be used for any such purposes, either continuously for a period exceeding 15 days or occasionally for periods exceeding in aggregate 30 days in any year,” a spokesperson said.

When contacted, Circus Belly Wien declined to comment. However, representatives for the circus had earlier rejected all accusations of animal cruelty.

Aura McMenamin