The circus is in the town? Well, this time, there will be no animals in it. The government of India is planning to announce a ban on animal use for performances in circuses to put an end to the cruelty animals go through in training and performances.
The move is being hailed by animal rights activists and animal lovers as “progressive and laudable”. The Environment Ministry, in a draft notification dated November 28, has invited comments from various stakeholders on the issue within 30 days.
“In the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, under rule 13, the following shall be added – 13A – a prohibition on exhibiting and training of animals for specified performances. No animals shall be used for any performances or exhibition at any circus or mobile entertainment facility,” the draft notification said.
The draft quoted “circus” as “means of a large public entertainment, typically presented in one or more very large tents or in an outdoor arena, featuring exhibitions of pageantry, feats of skill and daring, performing animals, among others.
The cruelty that the animals face in the name of entertainment is inhumane and unjustified. The circuses and facilities that train animals to perform have been appreciated and anticipated for a long period of time but only now, people are becoming more aware of the sad reality behind the curtains of these shows.
A video of a baby bear was shared and viewed widely on social media. The bear was made to walk on a beam without using his hind legs. The trainer had a whip in his hand and the poor creature was so scared that he peed on himself. (vedio by PETA)
Another video of an elephant painting a picture of itself with a tree also went viral on twitter a few days ago. That drew a lot of attention to the immense torture that the wild animals are made to go through. Tuskers are very intelligent animals but their usual behavior is to live with their herd in jungles, not paint like Picasso.
Elephant Art Gallery in Thailand sells paintings done by elephants. Special brushes are used. And the money from the sales is used for elephant conservation. pic.twitter.com/n2b0OPiBwN
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) April 22, 2018
Another fine example of animals in captivity are orcas. Orcas are magnificent creatures with a lifespan of around 60-80 years, similar to humans. But in captivity of small tanks and pools, most of them do not survive for more than 30 years.
In 2011, the Indian environment ministry had banned the use of lions, tigers, panthers, monkeys, bears, and bulls, Times of India reported. Under the new notification, the use of all animals in circuses across the country will be banned. There will be no more chimps, parrots, birds, dogs, snakes in the show. The actual order will be put to action after one month from now.
Appreciating the government move on ban of animals in circuses, PETA India CEO Manilal Valliyate says, “A ban on the use of animals in circuses would bring India in line with other countries that have already made this move and show the world that this is a progressive, compassionate nation that won’t tolerate animal abuse.”