South Dublin Council bans animal-act circuses on public land
A motion introduced to South Dublin Council to prohibit animal-act circuses using public land was passed last night.
South Dublin joins Drogheda, Wicklow Town, Arklow, Waterford, Monaghan and Clonakilty in banning the circuses.
The Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) welcomed the outcome which was started by Independent Councillor Dermot Looney.
ARAN's John Carmody said: "We commend the progressive efforts of Councillor Looney and his fellow members for backing this motion.
"What is wrong with using animals in circuses? Aren’t they well looked after? With the very best intentions in the world a travelling circus is unable to adequately provide for the animals in their care. Traveling from city to city, animals are kept in the back of beast wagons only to be tethered up, caged up or chained up in small spaces with little mental stimulation, no physical exercise and their often highly complex needs are denied.
"Duffy’s Circus is now touring Ireland with sea lions that has sparked concern by people in every city they have visited so far. The controversial Courtney Brothers Circus is touring with tigers who are going insane from confinement."
