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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th February 2016
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Dutch animal circuses arrive in Ireland
camel circus
"Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals as they simply cannot provide a suitable environment for these animals." (stock photo)
Charities fear more such circuses could be on the way
 
Two Dutch animal circuses have arrived in Ireland after their home country, The Netherlands, introduced a ban on wild animals in circuses late last year.

Together, Circus Belly Wien and Circus Renz International comprise 65 animals including three elephants and three camels.

The news has dismayed welfare charities who warn that unless the government takes action, Ireland could attract more and more of these circuses as other EU countries ban them.

In response, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has called for an immediate ban on wild animals in circuses in a new campaign.

The charity is particularly concerned that these two circuses are using Asian elephants, which it says are one of the species least suited to life in a travelling circus.

Along with numerous other welfare organisations, ISPCA maintains that travelling circuses cannot meet the needs of complex animals such as elephants and tigers. The lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with frequent travelling, loading and unloading, handling, crowded conditions, noise, bright lights and limited social interaction - all of which are known to cause stress in wild animals.

England and Wales have committed to a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, and Scotland recently held a public consultation on the issue.

ISPCA's CEO, Andrew Kelly, said: "Despite many countries having banned the use of wild animals in circuses on animal welfare or ethical grounds, Ireland still allows this out-of-date practice to continue.

"Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals as they simply cannot provide a suitable environment for these animals. Transported in cramped and barren 'beast-wagons' around the country, moving every few days and then forcing them to perform unnatural behaviours for human 'entertainment' should no longer be permissible in the 21st century. "

To find out more about the ISPCA's Big Stop campaign, visit: http://www.ispca.ie/the_big_stop_campaign

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.