17yr old Activist Assaulted & Threatened by Circus

national | animal rights | press release Wednesday September 17, 2008 23:29 by Laura Broxson - National Animal Rights Association naracampaigns at gmail dot com PO Box 11019, Dublin 2

On the evening of Wednesday 17th September, a member of the National Animal Rights Association was assaulted and threatened while peacefully leafleting outside the Great European Circus (which is also known as the Royal Russian Circus), where they are currently staying on the Trim Road in Navan, Co Meath.

Contact N.A.R.A. Spokesperson: Laura Broxson, 086 8729 444
www.naracampaigns.org

"Shortly after arriving, the activist - who is only 17years old - was greeted with verbal abuse by members of the circus" says Laura Broxson, spokesperson of N.A.R.A.

"A man from the circus then came out and grabbed his arm, held it behind his back, and proceeded to shove him onto the road"

"The activist was then told that they would 'kill him if he ever came back' "

"This is just typical of the type of people involved in animal circuses. If this is how they react to one compassionate young man leafleting, just imagine how they must treat the animals used in the circus. What they did was totally unacceptable, and we will be legally pursuing the matter as far as it will go. We have already been in touch with Navan Garda Station" she added.

This circus has been investigated by both CAPS (www.irishcircuses.org) and PETA (for info on previous cruelty convictions and abuse see: http://www.circuses.com/fact-great.asp).

"Animals don't belong in circuses - a fact which should be obvious to most people. But sadly, hundreds of animals continue to be enslaved in these travelling menageries every year.

Examples of the animals used include elephants, tigers, rhinos, horses, giraffes, llamas, camels, wallabies, alligators and snakes - all of whom have been used in circuses touring Ireland. They are abused and beaten into submission, and through fear are forced to perform mindless acts - all for the entertainment of people.

Is it normal for an elephant to stand on its head? Or for a tiger to jump through a ring of fire? Or for horses to walk around on their hind legs 'dancing' to music? These are all unnatural and painful acts which animals should not be forced to do. They should be free, and in their natural habitats.

Circus animals, who in the wild would spend the majority of their days travelling and exploring new areas, spend 22 hours a day locked up in cages and pens so small, that they barely have room to turn around. This, coupled with their constant state of fear leads them to exhibit the stereotypical psychosis found in all captive animals. They self-mutilate and display repetitive behaviour, such as swaying back and forth.

Animal circuses should be a thing of the past. The animals wouldn't be suffering if people weren't still paying for it to continue. By attending these 'shows', you are directly responsible for letting this cruelty exist.

You can help these animals and take a stand against cruelty - BOYCOTT THE CIRCUS!" - National Animal Rights Association