An escaped circus tiger, shot dead on the streets of Paris on Friday November 24, has renewed calls for animals to be banned from performing. Mevy, who was 18 months old, escaped from Cirque Bormann-Moreno (Bormann-Moreno Circus), which was setting up in the 15th arrondissement (district) of the city when she somehow escaped from her cage.

She roamed the streets of the area, close to the Eiffel Tower, before being shot by the circus's owner.

EN DIRECT. Paris : un fauve s'échappe d'un cirque dans le 15e arrondissement, la RATP interrompt la circulation de la ligne 3 du tramway https://t.co/x1OpdxFn67 pic.twitter.com/JWalmykZWi

— franceinfo (@franceinfo) November 24, 2017

The animal was seen by many people in what is a densely populated residential and business area, causing traffic for some of the city's metro lines to be briefly interrupted while she was being tracked down.

Police and firefighters quickly arrived to try and keep her in one place, with witnesses reporting hearing shots shortly before the tiger was killed.

^{Source: France Info}

"We saw everything from the windows. We saw it run. It's so sad."

Mevy eventually tried to hide near a tram line, but was found and shot within 10 minutes by her 'owner'. According to reports, she was killed in an alleyway, although Le Parisien reported that she had been hiding in square Carlo Sarrabezolles.

"We saw everything from the windows. We saw it run. It's so sad.", said one over the neighborhood's residents to journalist Margaux Duguet, who was posting live updates on Twitter throughout the incident.

Coup de feu dans le quinzième arrondissement de Paris. Le #Tigre qui s'est échappé du cirque a été neutralisé. pic.twitter.com/E94ETwNORt

— Samia Kidari (@SamiaKidari) November 24, 2017

An inquest has been opened; animal welfare groups mobilize 

An inquest into Mevy's death has been opened by the local authority. The circus owner who shot her was taken into custody and has since claimed that the lock on Mevy's enclosure had been cut. He added that tranquilizing her was not as option as she could have harmed a member of the public before the dart could knock her out.

Outrage over the death has exploded over social media, with people from all over the world expressing their sadness and demanding that performing animals be banned from circuses.

French organization One Voice have echoed these sentiments, lodging a complaint against Cirque Bormann-Moreno, while the Brigitte Bardot Foundation has again called for France to follow countries like Italy and India in banning circuses like this from the country.

«tout danger est à présent écarté, l'animal aurait été "neutralisé"» cela signifie que le #tigre a été abattu en plein @Paris, lieu de vie classique chez les #fauves. Et les animaux sont en sécurité dans les #cirques?! On dépose plainte #CirquesSansAnimaux https://t.co/DQzBsvAcd5

— One Voice (@onevoiceanimal) November 24, 2017

The end of animal circuses in Paris? 

Mevy's brutal death comes just days after a group of 15 Parisian philosophers, scientists and historians released a formal demand for the city of Paris to stop welcoming circuses with wild animals to the city. A petition supporting the demand has attracted over 29,000 signatures so far.

The case is also similar to the controversial death of a former Ringling Bros. tiger, Suzy, who was shot dead in Atlanta, Georgia, after escaping a transport truck in the U.S.

More and more cities and states are starting to see the cruelty that often leads up to these spectacles, and animal lovers can only hope that these trends continue, so that we can leave wild animal circuses in the past.

If you would like to contribute to helping circus animals escape this life of misery, you can donate to organizations like Performing Animal Welfare Society, who work to offer exploited, wild animals better-living conditions.

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Following on from Italy, Ireland and India two months ago, the Scottish government has announced that they will be banning the use of wild animals in circuses, making it the first country in the United Kingdom to do so.

The new legislation was passed on December 20 after a debate, with British animal welfare campaigners hoping that this will lead to England and Wales following on from their good example soon.

^{Source: Valery Hache}

It was proposed by Roseanna Cunningham, Scotland's environment secretary, who said that they had made what counts as a 'wild animal' deliberately vague when writing the bill, so that courts will be able to protect as many animals as possible.

She said in a statement:

This is an important act that will not only prevent travelling circuses ever showing wild animals in Scotland in the future, but will demonstrate to the wider world that we are one of the growing number of countries that no longer condones the use of wild animals in this way.

^{Source: Positivfr}

Although there has been some criticism, saying that the bill doesn't do enough for other types of 'performance', such as greyhound racing, animal welfare groups have been celebrating the move as a step forward for Britain.

This news follows the massive controversy the British government caused after removing legislation saying that animals were sentient at the end of November. They later said that they would acknowledge this when rewriting laws after Brexit.

Elisa Allen, Peta's director, said:

These animals are understandably frustrated, stressed and depressed from a lifetime of being denied the opportunity to do anything that’s natural and important to them, kept caged in trailers that are hauled around the country, and forced to perform confusing tricks under the big top out of some Victorian-era sense of amusement.

 

Let’s hope the progress in Holyrood serves to light a fire under the government in Westminster, which, despite years of promising to bring in a ban, continues to sit back and do nothing as England falls further and further behind the growing number of countries putting a stop to these cruel institutions.

2017 has seen many countries, cities and states ban the use of wild animals in performances. We can only hope that this trend continues in 2018.

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A circus in Vladivostok, Russia, caused a wave of outrage after photos of their lionesses appeared online. The source of the controversy was the fact that the lionesses seem to be very obese. They are appearing in a show called The Empire of Lionesses.

^{Source: PrimaMedia}

Faced with growing anger nationwide, Vitaly Smolyanets, a tamer and the circus' artistic director, defended himself to PrimaMedia, a Russian media site, saying that the animals were overweight because they had large appetites and were quite old.

However, this explanation didn't satisfy animal welfare groups, who said that it was probably a mixture of overfeeding and a lack of exercise brought on by being kept in tiny cages for most of their lives.

^{Source: PrimaMedia}

Smolyanets denies all accusations of abuse, arguing that the lionesses get enough exercise from rehearsing three hours a day. As for food, he said that the big cats eat six kilos of meat and 1 liter of milk every day, along with supplementary vitamins.

^{Source: PrimaMedia}

Despite the tamer's claims, many people have demanded that the Russian authorities investigate the circus to ensure that the animals are being treated properly.

In general, captivity has nasty consequences on animals' physical and mental health. Repetitive behavior, depression and aggression are common problems at circuses, poorly maintained zoos and marine parks.

More and more cities and states are starting to see the cruelty that often leads up to these spectacles, and animal lovers can only hope that soon we will leave wild animal circuses in the past.

If you would like to contribute to helping circus animals escape this life of misery, you can donate to organizations like Performing Animal Welfare Society, who work to offer exploited, wild animals better-living conditions.

^{H/t: Démotivateur}

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At Holidog, we aim to improve the lives of your furry friends. Enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, knowing your pet is in great hands (find a petsitter near you) and spoil them with our monthly subscription box filled with yummy treats and toys (get your free box here). You can count on us!

The post Russia: Photos Of Overweight Circus Lions Cause Wave Of Anger Online appeared first on Holidog Times EN.

In October 2017, French circus le cirque Muller decided to display a tiger cub outside of a school, as an advertising stunt aimed at children. One voice, a French animal rights association, denounced the ploy as dangerous and manipulative, and called for an end to these sorts of 'techniques'.

One Voice called the cub's health into question, as it looked far too young to be away from its mom, and reminded the public that tigers, even baby ones, are wild animals, who should not be forced to lives their lives in a cage.

They concluded by saying that, by using a cute tiger cub in their marketing, the circus was hiding the truth about what wild animals face while living in captivity.

^{Source: One Voice}

The organization, which has called the local authorities, has demanded information on the cub's whereabouts and health, as well as for the circus to stop operating.

Captivity: a living hell

The effect of captivity on wild animals has been well documented and is a hot topic of conservation today. Pacing, depression, physical injury and psychological stress are common in facilities that can't (or won't) properly care for their animals.

Places that force their animals to perform and act against their instincts risk traumatizing them and driving them to aggression.

If you would like to contribute to helping circus animals escape this life of misery, you can donate to organizations like Performing Animal Welfare Society, who work to offer exploited, wild animals better-living conditions.

* * *

At Holidog, we aim to improve the lives of your furry friends. Enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, knowing your pet is in great hands (find a petsitter near you) and spoil them with our monthly subscription box filled with yummy treats and toys (they're going to love it). You can count on us!

The post French Circus Stirs Controversy After Displaying Tiger Cub In Front Of A School appeared first on Holidog Times EN.

In just a few days, three animals from the famous Medrano circus have died, including two in Orléans, northern France. The sudden disappearance of the tiger, zebu and llama have caused mass outrage all over social media.

The first is said to have died from a disease while the other two reportedly fell victim to poisoning, according to France Bleu Orléans (article in French).

^{Source: La Depeche}

They were all in perfect condition

It all started last week when a 12 year-old tigress was euthanized after it was discovered she had kidney failure. Artistic director of the circus, Christophie Henry said that "the tigress did not die in Orléans but in Nantes. She was transported to the Orléans city as this is where the butcher was."

Information which has been confirmed by State services has found no evidence of abuse.

On Thursday March 1, a zebu died "brutally with his body convulsing" according to veterinarian Vincent Bosquet. The same vet was also brought in to check the llama. He said:

The animal was not fit and by the time I arrived, he had died. Two hours before he was absolutely fine! This is very suggestive of poisoning, although we hope that this was not an act of malicious intent, but this sadly remains highly likely.

Bosquet also said that they could not have been abused either saying that he "examined all the animals three times in the space of 24 hours, and they were all in perfect condition".

^{Source: France Bleu}

Against everything we stand for

Two camels were also shivering in the night from Friday to Saturday but luckily, they were both saved in time.

^{Source: La Republique du Centre}

Animal protection organisations who protested before the circus, claim that the circus itself was at fault for the deaths. Alexandra Morette, regional representative of 269Life said:

It would be very strange for animalists to attack animals! It would go against everything we stand for. We are so close to victory that we do not need to poison animals to win.

^{Source: France Bleu}

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On April 2, a road accident in Spain lead to some unusual victims: one elephant died on the spot while two were seriously injured after the lorry they were in overturned.

The lorry belonged to Gottani circus and was transporting five elephants, according to The Telegraph. The incident took place near Albacete, a town south east of Madrid.

^{Source: EPA/MANU}

The driver of the lorry allegedly lost control after overtaking a vehicle and attempting to return to the slow lane.

One of the elephants sadly died and was found lying in a ditch by the roadside. The four others escaped the crash along with their lives and started grazing on the nearby grass area. The driver also survived the crash.

^{Source: EPA/MANU}

The police immediately closed the road to avoid any further accidents and made sure the animals were taken to safety as soon as possible. A spokesperson for the DGT, the organisation in charge of road safety in Spain, Gregorio Serrano said:

The elephants injured in the accident that has happened in Albacete are being assisted and removed. Of the five animals one has died and two have been injured. Shortly the A30 will be reopened.

Curious drivers stopped and took pictures of the accident, sharing the pictures and the story on Twitter.

^{Source: ASA}

Silvia Barquero, the president of Spanish animal welfare political party PACMA, said the animals belonged to the Gottani Circus, which has performed several shows in the area over Easter.

The lorry that has overturned was carrying Circo Gottani elephants. Show them more kindness. We treat animals like slaves. Enough of circuses that use animals.

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When the death of an elephant in a road accident in Spain recently revived the debate on the captivity of wild animals in circuses, the charity Animal Defenders International shared a video showing elephants in a circus behaving abnormally.

It is not necessarily obvious what the problem is in the video as we are unaware of an elephant's natural behaviour.

^{Source: Screenshot / Animal Defenders International}

In the pictures, filmed at the Garden Brothers circus in the United States, you can see the elephants swinging back and forth continuously. These repetitive movements carried out over a long period of time have a scientific name: zoochosis.

A combination of the words "zoo" and "psychosis", zoochosis was a term coined in 1992 to describe the compulsive behaviour of animals kept in captivity.

Zoochosis reflects a strong malaise and a great stress in the animals which suffer from it.

It can show itself in many different ways, such as self-harm, vomiting, obsessive cleaning, coprophagia (eating your own faeces), long moments of nodding and swaying back and forth.

In America, some elephants, like Nosey, managed to reclaim their freedom in a sanctuary for elephants. But circuses with wild animals are still very much prevalent in the country, and around the globe.

You can watch the Animal Defenders International video below:

^{Source: One Green Planet}

The post Zoochosis: New Video Reveals The Great Malaise Of Elephants In Circuses appeared first on Holidog Times EN.

In 2016, animal welfare organisation Animals Asia, contacted UNESCO about a monkey circus that had become a prime tourist attraction in Vietnam. The circus, which featured blindfolded monkeys riding bicycles while cowering in fear, was UNESCO accredited, despite its clear violation of animal welfare laws.

^{Source: Pinterest}

After over 40,000 activists came forward to lend their voice to a petition, UNESCO removed its accreditation to the circus, leading it to be shut down. An absolutely incredible win for the monkeys and animal rights activists alike.

Animals Asia’s Animal Welfare Director, Dave Neale said:

There is still widespread confusion in Vietnam about what constitutes animal cruelty and the fact that a UNESCO-accredited facility hosted a macaque circus really muddied the water for a lot of people. UNESCO’s actions were sanctioning the confinement, humiliation and exploitation of animals for entertainment so it is crucial that their backing has been removed from an industry mired in serious animal abuse.

^{Source: National Geographic}

Deputy Director of the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, Le Van Sinh explained the reasoning behind the closure of the monkey circus:

We received feedback from Animals Asia and the public against the use of wild animals and came to realize that it is both unnecessary and inhumane to treat animals this way … We asked the Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee and the city’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to stop the circus. The city government recognized the negative impact on the city’s tourism and decided to have the circus closed down.

However, while the closing of the circus is important in terms of ending animal abuse in the country, it will likely not mark the end of the suffering for the individual macaques used in the show.

The macaques abused in the circus belong to the Long Phu corporation, a private company specialising in animal performance. The monkeys will reportedly return to their owners and continue to perform.

^{Source: Animals Asia}

Neale said that the animal performance industry is very much at a crossroads at the moment and there is no telling whether it could expand as people choose to invest or die out as the country develops. An Animals Asia investigation in 2017 revealed that at least 200 macaques are forced to perform across a dozen or so entertainment parks, zoos and tourist attractions in Vietnam.

Just recently, a poignant video was released, revealing the devastating effects that being held in captivity has on animals.

^{H/t: Animals Asia}

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On May 30 2018, French charity, 30 Million d'Amis, came to the rescue of four circus lions in Rétiers, Ille-et-Vilaine, northwestern France. The animals were entrusted to the charity by the Bostok circus.

^{Source: Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis}

The owner of the circus, James Cook, decided to stop his activities with wild animals, preferring to leave them to a charity, rather than sell them to another circus.

^{Source: Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis}

30 Million d'Amis collected 3 lionesses and 1 lion, who will very soon be transferred to the sanctuary Tonga Terre d’Accueil. During their journey to the sanctuary, they will be accompanied by a wildlife veterinarian.

^{Source: Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis}

Once they've arrived at the sanctuary, they will be placed in quarantine, before going to a building specially designed for wild animals which has been financed with 100 000 euros by the 30 Million d'Amis.

^{Source: Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis}

Reha Hutin, head of 30 Million d'Amis, said:

Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more difficult to find a place for these animals: the partners with whom we collaborate, in France and abroad, being already full. That is why it is imperative that France in turn commits itself to banning wild animals in circuses and prepare for this inevitable transition.

 

^{Source: Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis}

^{H/t: Fondation 30 Millions d'Amis}

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In a shocking new video, a bear in Volgograd, Russia, can be seen being pushed down a ramp on a skateboard during a circus performance. Upon reaching the bottom, a trainer grabs the chain attached to the bear's head, trying to get him to perform another trick. Clearly terrified at the prospect of doing this, the bear runs away.

^{Screenshot of the video showing the trainer beating the bear with a stick after he runs away. Source: Youtube}

Pandemonium soon ensues with panicked cries coming from the audience and a second and third trainer entering the ring to beat the bear with sticks for disobeying. The bear fights back, grabbing the trainer who’s beating him and tackling him to the ground.

Soon enough, the bear lets go of the trainer who stands up and is able to walk away. The bear, who appears to be even more scared than before, starts rocking back and forth against the edge of the arena.

The video, which was presumably filmed by a member of the audience, has once again called into question the absurdity of using wild animals for entertainment purposes.

^{Screenshot of the video showing the two trainers hitting the bear who's grabbing the third trainer. Source: Youtube}

According to The Dodo, Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International (ADI), said in a statement after the video was released on Russian social media:

Using wild animals in circuses is a recipe for disaster, putting animals and the public in harm’s way. With animal welfare inevitably compromised and circuses unable to provide for their needs, it’s time for Russia to step up and take action to stop circus suffering before tragedy strikes.

This is by no means the first time Russia has come under fire for their treatment of bears. If you recall, in April, a video was released of a circus bear named Tim performing a trick on a Russian soccer field, causing mass outrage. Tim was recently exploited again, being made to blow into a vuvuzela during a street parade following Russia's World Cup victory. Creamer said:

It is sickening to see Tim the bear, or any wild animal, being exploited in this way, with absolute disregard for their well-being, their physical needs, and the safety of the public. Thankfully, governments around the world are taking action to end such shameful scenes. For animals like poor Tim, change cannot come soon enough.

Instances like the ones above are sadly very common in Russia with circus bears all over the country having to endure brutal training processes to get them to perform the way they do. DJ Schubert, a wildlife biologist with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), told The Dodo in April:

No wild animal should be used as a prop or forced to perform unnatural acts for our entertainment. What may appear to a spectator to be a few moments of levity … conceals the true story of these animals’ lives. Theirs is a tedious, barren, wholly unnatural existence that all too often involves abusive training techniques, inadequate housing, and poor veterinary care.

When animals retaliate or attack their owners, like the circus bear mentioned above, this is too often due to them getting scared or fed up. While it’s not clear what happened to him after the show, it’s likely that the trainer severely punished the bear for his behavior.

^{Screenshot of the video showing the bear cowering at the side of the ring. Source: Youtube}

If you would like to help put a stop to these cruel practices and end wild animals being used in circus' once and for all, then you can make a donation to the ADI here.

^{H/t: The Dodo}

The post Circus Bear Beaten With Sticks For Refusing To Perform, Highlights Absurdity Of Captivity appeared first on Holidog Times EN.