The Centre has proposed prohibition on the use of animals for performances, exhibition at any circus or mobile entertainment facilities, a move hailed by animal rights activists 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 – 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 facilityThe draft notification said
The draft also defined “circus” as “means of a large public entertainment, typically presented in one or more very large tents or in an outdoor or indoor arena, featuring exhibitions of pageantry, feats of skill and daring, performing animals, among others.”
Hailing the move, Trustee, People for Animals, Gauri Maulekhi said prohibiting the use of animals for circuses and other mobile entertainment is an extremely “progressive and laudable step”.
We established deplorable conditions of horses, dogs, exotic species of parrots, elephants, hippopotamus in all circuses over many years. The Central Zoo Authority withdrew recognition for use of all elephants in circuses. No other Indian wild animal was allowed to be used anyway. However, hippos, macaws, cockatoos, which are exotic wild species were being smuggled in for unnatural performances in circuses, despite Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.Gauri Maulekhi
She added that Indian wild animals such as snakes, monkeys, parakeets are not allowed to be owned, traded in or performed anyway under the Wildlife Protection Act
It is high time for it to be recognised that intelligent and sensitive animals are not ours to enslave and torment in animal-exploiting circuses for our amusement.Manilal Valliyate, CEO, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
(With Inputs from PTI)
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