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A jumbo row as circus elephant comes to Blackburn (From Blackburn Citizen)
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A jumbo row as circus elephant comes to Blackburn
7:40pm Tuesday 1st September 2009
A ROW has broken out over one of the last remaining animal circuses which is coming to Blackburn next week.
Campaign group Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) wants the public to boycott the Bobby Roberts Circus, claiming it features an elderly, arthritic elephant as well a horses, ponies and dogs.
The 55-year-old elephant, called Anne, no longer performs tricks, but does travel with the circus to pose for photographs.
Bosses of the circus said Anne was ‘like a member of the family’ and that it was in her best interests to remain with them.
They said the circus had an ‘unblemished’ record with animals and was always open to inspection.
Circus route co-ordinator Antony Staines said: “People vote with their feet and we won’t be dictated to by a minority group of campaigners, whatever its tactics.”
He said Anne, who has been with the travelling show for more than 50 years, was like ‘a member of the family’.
Mr Staines said: “Anne retired from performing 10 years ago, but does travel with the circus because she is like a big pet.
“In the opinion of scientific studies and the circus vets, it is the best place for her.
“Elephants need to go into groups.
“To try and re-establish her in a sanctuary at this time in her life would be detrimental.
“It’s not in her best interests and it would break the family’s heart.”
But CAPS’ campaigns director Craig Redmond said: “Most circuses now feature an all-human cast, removing the need to keep animals confined for long periods, transport them around the country and use hidden training methods to make them perform in the ring.
“We would encourage people to avoid all animal circuses.”
“Anne the elephant is not retired.
“She may be too arthritic to perform typical circus tricks any more, but she is still transported across the country so people can pay to have their photo taken alongside her.
“She deserves a real retirement in a sanctuary with others of her species.”
The Bobby Roberts Circus comes to Witton Country Park, Blackburn from September 8 to 13.
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Your Say YourCitizen
chrislancs, gt. harwood says...
8:29pm Tue 1 Sep 09
Joe Smith, Blackburn says...
4:09am Wed 2 Sep 09
Old Timer, Burnley says...
9:08am Wed 2 Sep 09
What do they suggest to send the animal away from her "family" or shoot it. I think we should be told.
paul_thomas, Manchester says...
9:21am Wed 2 Sep 09
Animals don’t belong in a circus. The constant transportation from town to town for eight months each year and confinement for long periods means that a travelling circus can never meet all of the needs of these animals, whether elephants, lions, tigers or horses.
Claims by circuses that animals are stimulated by performances are false. In fact, the same tricks are generally repeated for years.
Animals are trained away from the scrutiny of the public, politicians or welfare groups. Undercover investigations at circuses in the UK have revealed animals beaten with sticks, bars and whips and sick animals hidden from the RSPCA.
There is no educational value in seeing these once proud animals reduced to performing tricks in an unnatural environment. Circuses teach a lack of respect for animals.
CAPS is not opposed to circuses, only to the use of animals, and we encourage people to avoid animal circuses and instead visit one of the many excellent shows that rely entirely on human skills.
We also ask people to write to their MP, asking them to encourage the government to ban the use of animals in circuses.
Circuses YES, Animals NO.
Paul Thomas
The Captive Animals' Protection Society
PO Box 4186
Manchester
M60 3ZA
0845 330 3911
captiveanimals.org
Registered charity in England and Wales. Number 1124436
LRScot, says...
8:02pm Wed 2 Sep 09
How exactly would you define "a proper job"? - Is dedicating your life to helping those who are unable to fight for themselves a complete waste of time? I'd imagine you have the same narrow-minded attitude towards those working with any charitable organisation.
As for "forcing likes or dislikes" - Surely you don't disagree with educating the public about important issues. Imagine if those campaigning against slavery or the oppression of women hadn't spoken out.
In response to the other ignorant comment (by 'Old Timer') I'd rather be a "do-gooder" than someone who accepts the status quo and never gets off their backside to speak out against the things that are wrong with this world.
It's a shame people are so averse to compassion.
Old Timer, Burnley says...
9:28pm Wed 2 Sep 09
Surely you are a "do-gooder" I couldn't describe one who has such views such as anything else, it is the way you have looked at my description.
May I suggest you follow my observations in these columns and
I certainly hope you don't class myself as a contributor who is one who sits on ones buttocks and watches the world go by from an armchair.
May I suggest you speak to the people who run the circus and the RSPCA regarding the welfare of this particular animal and ask them just how much it is costing them to keep the animal from being put down. Maybe you could suggest a place of rest for the creature, if you could afford to provide money for its welfare.
BeJo, Leicester says...
10:33pm Wed 2 Sep 09
Old Timer, Burnley says...
10:49pm Wed 2 Sep 09
Why not get a group together and make a bid for this poor old elephant?
Surely if you and other protesting contibutors found enough money it could live that life you wish it to spend for the rest of its days. Only one snag and that would be if the money runs out. So any other suggestions other than put it out of what appears from many comments , its misery?
animaladvocate, Cheshire says...
9:50am Thu 3 Sep 09
Old Timer, Burnley says...
12:10pm Thu 3 Sep 09
The jungle drums have been beating and I appreciate your contributions to this link.
No fool like an old fool through my having trust in people and now I know the story that trust is ebbing.
... and you are do-gooders as I mentioned in a positive way.
Good luck with your campaign and lets hope you can find a home for Anne to spend the rest of her life away from all the publicity and people's cameras.
animaladvocate, Cheshire says...
2:17pm Thu 3 Sep 09
A jumbo row as circus elephant comes to Blackburn
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chris283, nelson says...
8:27pm Tue 1 Sep 09