Environment, Food and Rural Affairs CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by Jolyon Jamieson
As a British citizen I am very concerned about the attempt to ban “wild” animals in circuses. I think many of the arguments being used are wrong. I also feel that the attempt could be challenged in various courts for a variety of reasons:
(1)The Government has already stated that it cannot ban the use of animals on a welfare basis. Many studies have shown this. The Government now wants to try to ban it on “Ethical” grounds. What is meant by this? The dictionary definition of Ethical is:
(A)Pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.
(B)Being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession:
If you use definition A, I would ask what is immoral about the use of animals. Who decides morality? MPs? Using this could allow many problems to arise in future. Imagine a group of Paedophiles managing to be elected. They could then use this to abolish the age of consent saying that it is morally wrong to restrict children in this way.
If you use definition B then the new regulations would ensure that a standard of conduct is adhered to. DEFRA has spent time and money producing these regulations which has resulted in the two circuses who applied and these regulations should be given time to see how they work.
(2)Animals in Circus are a tradition that many people love. Circus without animals is nothing more than a variety show. If people think it is wrong they will stay away. Those who do go enjoy the spectacle and children can learn much about animals from their visits. Although animals can be seen on TV and in zoos you are much closer in the circus. You see the size, the smells etc in a way you cannot in a zoo. Also most zoos are not affordable to a great many people.
(3)Circuses do not normally use endangered species. CITES ensures that. All animals are captive bred and usually from many generations. A great deal of wild instinct has been lost. Many of the animals, such as camels, are considered domesticated in most parts of the world.
(4)A ban, would surely, breach the free trade laws of Europe. It would mean that a trainer from the UK could work in Germany but a German trainer could not work in the UK. Any ban like this must be infringing these trade laws.
(5)MPs keep claiming that over 90% of British people want a ban. They claim that this is the result of a survey. This survey was conducted in a manner that Circus Supporters were unaware that the poll was taking place. The Animal Rights groups were aware and had all their supporters vote. Also, if you study the results you will be surprised how many times Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck etc voted. Also a great many of the votes came from Animal Rights supporters around the world. Not from the UK. The survey only produced just over 10,000 replies and there are over 62 million people in the UK—so the figures MPs quote are hardly 90% of the UK public.
While you are considering what action to take please bear these points in mind.
April 2013
