Animal act ban didn’t prevent circus visit to Limerick

By
Alan Jacques
-

Duffy's CircusTHE decision by Duffy’s Circus not to visit Limerick city next month is “based simply on logistics” and has nothing to do with the motion tabled by Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler to have animal-act circuses banned in the city and county.

This will be the first time in living memory that the popular circus has not made its annual trip to the city, but it puts the reason down to touring commitments elsewhere.

According to a spokesman for Tom Duffy’s Circus, the circus is “disappointed but not surprised” by Cllr Butler’s proposal.

“Here at Duffy’s we are totally dedicated to the welfare of our animals. There is a vast difference between animal welfare and animal rights. It’s disappointing to see Cllr Butler following an animal rights agenda,” read a statement from the circus.

“Animal rights activists often hold extreme views. They claim that animals have the right to roam free without any interaction with humans. They don’t want to see any animals in circuses or zoos. They want to ban horse-racing and stop us eating meat. Some even believe we shouldn’t have pets.

Sign up for the weekly Limerick Post newsletter

“Every right-minded person believes in animal welfare, but for ARAN (Animal Rights Action Network) to claim that our animals suffer is misleading the public and has offended our dedicated team of specialist animal carers.”

Tom Duffy’s Circus says its animals have been inspected three times in unannounced visits by official animal welfare officers in Northern Ireland over recent months. The circus claims that animals were found to be in “excellent condition” and animal welfare officers were very happy with their living conditions.

“One of the Animal welfare officers is quoted as telling a member of the public she wished all the animals she visited were treated as well and in such good condition as ours. The ISPCA refuse to inspect our animals,” the circus alleges.
The circus went on to say that the longterm well-being and welfare of its animals is a “top priority”. With its audience continuing to grow — 160,000 people attended its performances last year — Tom Duffy’s asks, “would all these people come if they thought our animals were mistreated in any way?”
“We take great pride in our animals and the level of care we provide to them. At most performances we give our audiences the opportunity to see where our animal family members live, eat and sleep. On this year’s tour, the public can see our horses, ponies and llamas, and visit the pools where our sea lions, Andrew, Nelson and Ziggy swim,” said a circus spokesman.
Councils in South Dublin, Drogheda, Mongahan, Wicklow, Arklow, Waterford and Clonakilty have already banned any circus using animals.
Limerick founder of animal rights group ARAN, John Carmody says he is “absolutely delighted” Limerick City and County Council will vote on this “progressive” motion next month.
“We urge compassionate councillors both in the city and country to vote yes. Limerick people are watching and the animals in the circus are sadly waiting. Lets be on the right side of history. Considering that the UK last week reaffirmed their intention to ban animal-act circuses in the UK nationwide in 2015, Ireland needs to get into line,” said Mr Carmody.
Advertisement

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR