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Animals and circus
Animals and circus
Animals in circuses and zoos
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In accordance with the Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012, a travelling circus is defined as ‘a circus in which travels from place to place for the purpose of giving performances, displays or exhibitions’ and ‘a circus as part of which wild animals are kept or introduced (whether for the purpose of performance, display or otherwise).
The circus is said to have originated in the 1700s, with a one-time Sergeant Major in the 15th Light Dragoons, Philip Astley performing on horseback, demonstrating equestrian expertise in London based shows, (Broonman & Legge, 1999; Stoddart, 2000). It was Astleys’ equestrian performances that influenced many others to establish similar shows over Europe in the nineteenth century, with new permanent buildings being built for the performances later developing in the early twentieth century to circuses tents to allow the shows to be taken to audiences that would otherwise not have seen the show. Other developments allowed European based circuses to travel from the Far East to South America, Africa and Australasia, (European Circus Association , 2014).
Although there were animal welfare protests against performing animal shows, the First World War was a staple moment of protest against the shows, with the Performing Animals Defence League forming in 1914 encouraging public concern on animal cruelty, (Wilson, 2009).
Currently there are three main legislations affecting and protecting the welfare of wild animals in travelling circuses, The Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the performing Animals (regulation) Act 1925, (DEFRA,2013; Rees,2013). The legislations in place recognise that both wild a...
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...erlands. Journal of agricultural environmental ethics, Volume 26, pp. 523-535.
PETA, 2013. Circuses. [Online]
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Rees, P. A., 2013. Dictionary of Zoo Biology and Animal Management. West Sussex: John Wiley and sons .
RSPCA, 2014. Wild animals in circuses. [Online]
Available at: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/wildlife/captivity/circuses
[Accessed 03 02 2014].
Stoddart, H., 2000. Rings of Desire: Circus history and representation. Manchester: Manchester University press .
Syne, A., 2006. Meta-analytic review of the effects of enrichment on stereotypic behavior in zoo mammals. Zoo Biology , 25(4), pp. 317-337.
Wilson, D. A., 2009. Racial Prejudice and the Performing Animals Controversy in early Twentieth-Century Britain. Society and animals , Issue 17, pp. 149-165.
Stroud, Peter. "Defining Issues of Space in Zoos." Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2.6 (2007): 219-22.
The first point of view from this issue is the side that believes humans, zoos and other facilities should be allowed to keep animals. The places that captivate animals believe that they are doing a favor to the creatures. They believe that they are saving them from being killed by humans. They say that if they would not have taken in these animals they would have died in the wild. They say they’re giving them a fresh new start and a place to live without worry. For example, in this article they state that zoos try and h...
Dr. Dave Hone (2014) proudly honors the title of being in the pro-zoo camp. Hone was a volunteer for a number of years at two different zoos and is able to identify zoos as being more than just a collection of animals (Hone, 2014, para. 2) He firsthand witnessed the importance of how conservation assists with preventing species from going extinct, the role education plays to inform many children and adults along with the guidance research shares to help better understand wildlife (Hone, 2014). In order to ensure that wild animals receive maximum care it is crucial to gain beneficial knowledge from research. In addition to understanding animal breeding through research, zoo officials are able to learn how to prevent and cure a variety of animal diseases. Education is another positive resource that zoos have to offer. There is always the option to learn about wild animals through animal documentaries, however many people enjoy a prominent up-close personal
Mason, Robert A. B. "Wild Mammals In Captivity: Principles And Techniques For Zoo Management, 2Nd Edition." Austral Ecology38.8 (2013): e26. Environment Index. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
Lemonick, Michael D. “Who Belongs in the Zoo?” Time. Time, 11 June 2006. Web. 12 Dec.
Cohn, Jeffrey P. “Decisions at the Zoo.” BioScience 42, no. 9 (October 1, 1992): 654–
Since the beginning of the modern day circus in the early 20th century millions of Americans have enjoyed the performances by both the people and the animals that perform for our entertainment. However, the audience is blinded by shock and awe of the show from what really happens behind the curtain. Animal cruelty, poor living conditions, and lack of legal regulation scars the animals and becomes very dangerous to the overall health of the animals and those who are around them. The mistreatment of animals in circuses has been occurring for far too long, and new laws need to be implemented in an effort to prevent future acts of cruelty toward these animals.
The circus has had very interesting performers. Circuses in the 19th century were very entertaining to the people who were watching them. They were excited and always smiling while attending these circuses. The acts were very high energy and kept the audience drawn in.
Since approximately 1250 B.C., ancient Egyptians had created and practiced the capture and display of animals in what are now known as zoos (Fravel). Records describe such exotic animals as birds, lions, giraffes, and tigers in captivity (Fravel). Since then, zoos have continued to entertain millions with the exciting chance to view exotic animals up close and personal. Even in ancient Greece, exotic animals were on display in fighting arenas, and in enclosed viewing areas. Originally in America, zoos were just created so that royalty and the wealthy could flaunt their exotic animals to the public (Leolupus). Today, with species threatened and habitats disappearing worldwide, zoos are serving a new purpose other than the mere exhibition of animals – conservation. (Fravel). When you think of a zoo, you either think of a fun, entertaining place that provides close-up and exciting exhibits of wild animals that you would otherwise never get the chance to see, or a place where people keep suffering, unhappy animals captive just for entertainment and display. However, despite whichever view you hold, and despite the stereotypes, some zoos have evolved to serve alternative and helpful purposes. Although some zoos face controversy due to allegations such as lack of space and quality care, neglect, and cruelty, some zoos have programs specifically designed to help and protect animal species. For example, these zoos have programs that help such conservation efforts as breeding.
Some people may argue that zoos protect animals and species under this polluted world, however, do animals in zoos really need our “help”? Yes, but surely not that many. According to Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS), 79% of animals in United Kingdom zoos and over 70% of elephants in European zoos are wild-caught. It seems that zoos need them rather than they need zoos.
"How Zoos Are Saving Our Animals." – Features – ABC Environment (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2015.
The article “Animals Used as Entertainment” lists rodeos, circuses, bullfighting, horse racing, cockfighting, dog fighting, and zoos as examples of the many ways animals are used in entertainment. Circuses and zoos are the two most relevant forms of animal mistreatment. Both of these are sources of entertainment for children and adults. Zoos declare that the...
Before discussion of public awareness and sensitivity vis-à-vis animal rights, it is prudent to provide a concise history of the topic in America. In 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was formed. Some of the early triumphs associated with organization are lobbying for the passing of anti-cruelty laws for animals used in gambling, such as bull and cock fights as well as horse beating (“American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals”). By 1908, there were 185 anticruelty organizations promoting and stimulating public awareness of humane treatment of animals (Pearson 3-4). Early nineteenth century anticruelty reformers maintained that abuse of children and animals would affect the “character and habits that...
Notwithstanding the joy that animals performing acts, such as riding bicycles, can bring to a person, circuses that use animals should no longer exist. It is 2017 and the rights of animals should be just as important as human rights. Therefore, to help animals avoid servitude, animal-free circuses must gain more popularity and eventually overshadow the circuses that do use, or exploit