Circus Endangered By Proposed Law

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30667, 5 February 1965, Page 11

Circus Endangered By Proposed Law

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

LONDON, February 4.

Animal lovers yesterday launched Parliamentary moves to ban performing animals.

A bill introduced in the House of Lords is aimed at preventing performing bears, lions and tigers, cats and dogs, elephants and monkeys, appearing under the big top.

If the bill becomes law it could be fatal to British circuses, already losing out to the lure of television, cinema, bowling alleys and bingo halls. The bill, which promises offenders a fine of £5O a -day, received a first reading. Its sponsors are hopeful it will get enough all-party support to carry it through the House of Commons after its second reading in the Lords in about 10 days’ time. This would rob the sawdust-and-tinsel world of most of its centuries-old glamour. The only animals exempted would be horses and sea lions. Already, one major circus has introduced a pop-singer to its show. Passage of the bill might necessitate similar changes if the circus is to survive.

Lord Somers, who presented the bill on. behalf of the Captive Animals Protection Society, said he personally would put all animals on the list. Circus animals were trained by “hunger, fear and pain.” he said, adding: “We have lots of evidence from ex-trainers who gave up the job because they were so disgusted they couldn't stand it.” The circus was outdated, he said. “Without being highbrow," it could be replaced by live theatre, concerts and sports, he added. Mr Ralph Walker, secretary of the British Circus Pro-

prietors’ Association, denied training involved cruelty. “Anybody who knows anything about animals will tell you you can only get results through kindness,” he said.