Broad support for wild-animal circus ban

THE introduction of a ban on all wild-animal circuses from Dublin City Council public land has been welcomed on the Southside. 

The DSPCA said they were delighted with the news that the council had introduced the ban after the proposal received cross-party support.

“The use of wild animals such as elephants, lions, hippos and tigers in circuses is not necessary to entertain,” said Brian Gillen, CEO of the DSPCA.

 “The DSPCA, Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, has been dealing with the issue of wild animal circuses for over a century and we are delighted with this news.

 “Animals used in wild animal circuses cannot engage in natural behaviour, are transported in cramped conditions, and are often chained or caged for up to 23 hours a day. Many animals suffer from psychological disorders and chronic health problems and the life expectancy can be very low.

“This ban reflects an awareness and understanding of the needs and behaviour of animals unsuitable for this type of captivity and is a good step forward in the battle to end all animal cruelty in Ireland.”

Austria, Croatia and the Netherlands are among the other countries that have introduced bans on wild-animal circuses, while several Irish local authorities – including Galway, South Dublin, Kildare, Waterford, Arklow, and Monaghan – have also banned these acts from public land.

Sinn Féin councillor Ray Mc Hugh (SF) supported the motion at this month’s Dublin City Council meeting that called for the enforcement of a strict ban on the use of wild non-domesticated animals in circuses and a ban on the use of Dublin City Council land for wild animal circuses.

Speaking on the motion, Cllr Mc Hugh said: “Animals kill to survive; humans kill and ill-treat these beautiful creatures for entertainment and enjoyment.

“Society cannot continue and accept the ill-treatment of animals in some circuses just for our entertainment.

“Tigers, elephants, camels and other animals should not be used just to entertain us.

“I note the DSPCA is also opposed to the use of wild animals in circuses on animal welfare and ethical grounds.”

Earlier, model Rosanna Davison urged Dublin City Council to ban wild-animal circuses in a in letter sent ahead of the vote.

“Animals are not ours to abuse for human amusement,” she said.

“And it’s simply unacceptable for astonishing animals like elephants, lions, and tigers to be deprived of everything that’s natural and important to them, just so that spectators can watch them perform ridiculous and often painful tricks.

“A ban which reflects an adequate understanding of the needs, interests, and behaviour of animals who deserve to remain wild is long overdue,” she added.

“Please, join the growing list of local authorities that have rejected this archaic form of entertainment on their land.”