Ailing Elephant Max is retired from Circus Sydney to avoid pressure and controversy

national | animal rights | press release

Friday August 25, 2006 00:25

by Bernie Wright - Alliance for Animal Rights

campaign victory

The Alliance for Animal Rights is pleased to learn that Circus Sydney have retired the Ailing African Elephant Max to a safari style Park in Germany. This Elephant has been the subject of controversy since he started touring this season. He was one of two elephants at Circus Sydney that animal Rights Campaigners reported to Gardai over the last few months as in need of urgent medical attention for a hind leg injury .

Ailing Elephant Max is retired from Circus Sydney to avoid any more controversy and pressure from ‘animal rights’ Campaigners.

The Alliance for Animal Rights is pleased to learn that Circus Sydney have retired the Ailing African Elephant Max to a safari style Park in Germany. This Elephant has been the subject of controversy since he started touring this season. He was one of two elephants at Circus Sydney that animal Rights Campaigners reported to Gardai over the last few months as in need of urgent medical attention for a hind leg injury .

‘Despite numerous ‘cancelled’ appointments for an x-ray at the Veterinary hospital in Dublin , we now learn that due to pressure on the Circus by animal rights activists, Trainer Alexander Schultz has finally bowed to pressure and let Max go. Poor Max is now in Germany and in retirement. He will never have to do stupid tricks again or be chained, bored and distressed in the Circus.’

‘we consider this to be a milestone in our campaign and are delighted that Max will now live out his remaining years with the care he deserves. However we fear another victim of Circus greed will take his place , and will continue pressurising Circuses with Animals until all animals are removed from performances. Spokesperson AFAR.

*Quote from Nuala Donlon of CAPS(Captive animals Protection Society)

‘The fact that Circus Sydney have ‘disappeared’ Max clearly indicates that they knew the results of the x-ray would bear out our concerns and leave them open to prosecution under the 1911 Act.’

*At present Circuses in this Country are a law onto themselves as no legislation exists to govern the keeping, management or training of often large exotic species in these travelling shows. Among the species to be found in circuses currently touring Ireland are Elephants, Hippos, Rhinos, Giraffe, Tigers, Camels, Alligators and Kangaroos.

‘The welfare of these animals is massively compromised in Circuses, the only solution is for the Irish Government to introduce legislation outlawing the keeping of animals in Circuses’

Bernie Wright, Press Officer AFAR. 087 2651720