Ban animals in circuses: Peta - Times of India

NEW DELHI: Citing its just-concluded inquiry revealing rampant abuse, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has demanded a complete ban on use of animals in circuses. In a disturbing presentation on Wednesday, Peta India reported findings of its inquiry on welfare of animals in circuses that was authorized by the Animal Welfare Board of India. The inquiry, conducted from November 2012 to July 2013, uncovered widespread abuse of animals ranging from neglect to outright torture. The organization investigated 16 circuses across the country and documented countless violations of animal welfare laws including Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Performing Animal Rules 2001. "The findings from our investigation reveal that cruelty to animals is inherent in the circus business. It's high time for a ban on use of animals in Indian circuses. Any delay will mean continued abuse of dogs, horses, camels, goats, birds, elephants and other animals," Dr Manilal Valliyate, director of veterinary affairs at Peta India, said. At present, the animals live a meagre existence in squalid conditions without any sense of natural behaviour. Training sessions consist of pain, threats and negative reinforcement. While animal protection laws exist, enforc ement is greatly lacking. All performing animals and acts must be registered with AWBI but this is scarcely ensured. Peta's report highlights the abuse endured by circus elephants. Bulls, bears, monkeys, tigers and lions have been banned from circuses in India under Section 22 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, yet elephants were left off the list. The large and intelligent animals undergo a great deal of physical and physiological trauma as their natural habitat requires space and companionship. However, many feel that simply taking steps to ensure implementation of laws will not be enough. As illustrated in the Peta's report, forcing animals to perform, especially with unethical techniques and in wretched conditions, causes enormous distress. "It's impossible for circuses to be animal-friendly. Captivity inherently abuses animals and robs them of their natural state. It's imperative the government makes the ethical decision and bans the use of a nimals in circus performances," said Valliyate. Should the ban be implemented, Indian circuses will join the growing number circuses around the world which only use human performers. Already, several countries including Greece, Bolivia and Cyprus have outlawed animal acts in circuses on ethical grounds. via Science - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE8-a_8MB6wR9diz35Mo5fjBOJYaA&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Ban-animals-in-circuses-Peta/articleshow/22301245.cms

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