Stop Circus Suffering

Poor husbandry in the circus may not be intentional, but it is to an extent unavoidable given the travelling nature of circuses and the temporary enclosures, living spaces and transporters that the animals have to inhabit.

The new study reviews the scientific evidence on the effects of transport and captivity on animals that confirms their welfare is compromised – and this is the case for both domesticated and non-domesticated species.

In 1999, Mary Chipperfield, her husband, Roger Cawley, and the elephant keeper, Steve Gills, were all convicted of cruelty on the basis of evidence collected by ADI Field Officers.

The UK’s Animal Welfare Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 10th January and will finish in Committee on January 26th. The Bill will cover animals in circuses and represents a genuine opportunity to end this archaic abuse in the UK once and for all.

ADI has built up a formidable body of film and photographic evidence that reveals the extent of animal suffering in travelling circuses.

Anne the elephant is 52 years old, suffers from arthritis, and is touring the UK with Bobby Roberts Super Circus. For over ten years ADI have been following the plight of this tragic elephant, including flying a vet to her when she became desperately ill.