1st September 2008
LABOUR CANDIDATE BACKS PROTEST OVER ARTHRITIC ELEPHANT USED IN TOWYN CIRCUS
Donna Hutton, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Clwyd West constituency, has backed protests against the use of animals in a Towyn circus, and called for an arthritic elephant to be allowed to retire.
There have been continuous protests against the Bobby Roberts Circus, showing until last weekend in Towyn. In particular, protests have focused on an elephant that has been with the circus for 50 years.
Mrs Hutton said:
“Anne the elephant was taken from Sri Lanka half a century ago, when still a baby, and was forced to perform in ways unnatural to such an animal for decade after decade. This is probably what caused the arthritis she now suffers. If he cares for her at all, instead of dragging the poor elephant around the country, Bobby Roberts should now allow her a peaceful retirement. I understand the Born Free Foundation have offered to take Anne into their care.
“But that offer has been turned down. It seems Anne is used for posing for photographs with customers at £6 a time, but surely she has already contributed enough to Mr Roberts’ wealth?
“The time when it was acceptable for animals to be used simply for our entertainment is over. It is a sign of our progress as a civilisation that most people are now uncomfortable with the spectacle of dogs jumping onto the backs of horses or elephants being humiliated as they try to stand on two legs.
“These days audiences are much more impressed by the incredible skill of human performers in circuses that do not involve animals. This is the way the world has changed, and I hope Bobby Roberts Circus can bring itself up to date by ending the use of animals. Otherwise his and the few remaining circuses that stay stuck in the past will increasingly be seen as sordid places of cruelty, to be avoided.
“A tremendous act of compassion that would help begin to restore goodwill to circuses like that of Mr Roberts would be for Anne the elephant to be allowed to be cared for at a sanctuary where she can be slowly introduced into the company of her own kind.”
Bobby Roberts Circus will be performing in Wrexham next weekend, and animal welfare protesters have vowed to follow and keep up the pressure.
ENDS.