Proof that animals in circuses suffer

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1/ Observation :

Observation of animals held by a large French circus (Cirque Arlette Grüss):

		Repetitive shifting from one foot to another (stereotypical behaviour) by an African elephant in the foreground and an Asian elephant in the background. (820 Ko) - view>> Mp4 format (644 Ko) >> Windows Media Player (164 Ko) >>
		Incessant pacing by a panther (stereotypical behaviour). (672 Ko) - view>> MP4 format (508 Ko) >> Windows Media player (156 Ko) >>
		Repetitive movements by a lion (stereotypical behaviour). (780 Ko) - view >> Mp4 format (600 Ko) >> Windows Media Player (168 Ko) >>

2 / Signification

According to Mc Bride and Craig, these stereotypical behaviours "demonstrate failure to adapt appropriately and can therefore be considered a criterion in evaluating the long-term adequacy of housing environments for these animals."

According to I. Hannier, these behavioural disorders " indicate a chronic lack of well-being. "

According to F. Wemelsfelder, "stereotypical behaviour is proof of chronic suffering" .

Zoologist Fred Kurt believes that these stereotypical repetitive movements in elephants can be likened to human insanity ...  

3/ Conclusion

These animals suffer from chronic ill-being due to the total incapacity of these itinerant structures to meet their behavioural needs.

4/ Solution

Enforcement of the law and consequently to forbid circuses from holding these animals. Article L.214-1 of the French Code Rural states that "all animals, as sentient beings, must be placed by their owners in conditions that are compatible with the biological needs of their species".

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BRIDE Mc, GLEN & CRAIG, J.V., "Environmental design and its evaluation for intensively housed animals" in Bresard B., 1985.

HANNIER I., in Le Point Vétérinaire vol.26 n°165, February 1995.

WEMELSFELDER, F., "The concept of animal boredom and its relationship to stereotyped behaviour" in: Lawrence, A.B. & Rushen, J. (Editors). Stereotypic Animal Behaviour. Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. CAB International, UK,1993.

Images filmed in the Cirque Arlette Grüss menagerie in September 2005.

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