Row over rights of circus animals hots up

By K.V.S.Madhav

HYDERABAD, APRIL 8. The felines were bundled in small cages with barely any space to stretch their huge limbs. This is the Mumbai of the animal kingdom where space is at a premium. A lion lunges at the door with a growling roar. The rest of the pack, weak and weary, sit up and watch silently.

In the hot, dusty back alley of the Great Rayman Circus arena at Autonagar on the City outskirts on Sunday, while the group of lions and tigers were jostling for space, animal rights activists and the circus management were locked in a battle outside.

Members of the People For Animals (PFA), an animal rights group, armed with instructions from the Rangareddy District Collector, Mr. Ajay Jain, were demanding that the caged animals be shifted to the zoo and their trauma ended.

The circus management took cover foisting a stay order secured by them from the Supreme Court on restrictions imposed by the Centre on exhibition and performance of animals. Ironically, Mr. Jain was to have inaugurated the circus on Saturday!

"The circus management requested us that the animals can be shifted on Sunday as the crowds were already seated for the show. So we agreed, but they have done a volte face today," alleges PFA vice-president, Mr. Krishna Vadi.

Mr. K. Sivadev, manager, Great Rayman Circus, said none of the 15 lions and nine tigers were being used for performance. "We excluded the climax event which involved these felines after the Centre's decision," he says. A board stating the same is also put up near the entrance. "How can we allow them to be taken away. They are like our children," he argues.

Quoting Section 11 E of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, PFA members insist that these animals cannot be confined to small cages under oppressive conditions. "We are not contesting the stay order. As per rules, the animals should have spacious living area failing which they have to be shifted to the zoo," claims Mr. Krishna Vadi.

"If these animals are not being used in the circus why transport them and also use them in the publicity material," he asks. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) had identified places at Vanasthalipuram and Visakhapatnam for creating retirement homes for animals in distress. But, the plan was kept on hold following the Court stay.

The Vanasthalipuram police, meanwhile, had "routinely" registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. "We do not have specific orders to shift the animals. If it is proved that animals are being treated cruelly, we can go ahead," says Sub- Inspector, Mr. N. Bhujanga Rao.

But, the PFA is charged up. "The MRO who accompanied us to the circus on Saturday was untraceable till afternoon. We could get to him today only after the Collector's intervention", alleges Mr. Krishna Vadi.

With everyone running around in circles as in a circus ring, the battle shifts to the courts on Monday with both the PFA and the circus management deciding to take legal recourse. "Unfortunately, the police are wavering seeking specific orders. Yesterday, they said the animals would be shifted. Today, they cite some problems. Court seems to be the only way out," says Mrs. Vasanthi Vadi of the PFA.

The general public, oblivious to the high drama, is thronging the circus and watching the animals in awe even as rumours were agog that animals were being taken away.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : V are like this only!
Next     : Rift in KPCC worries High Command