VOTE AND CONDEMN the arbitrariness, the false information and the disloyal attacks of animal activists against the traditional circus companies who conduct a responsible policy, with respect for their animals and the general animal welfare.

VOTE THEN to support the perenniality of the circus with animals and acting with the greatest respect for animal welfare.

OPEN LETTER for the attention of animal activists and animal welfare organisations

 Regardless of the fact that activists and animal protection organisations find it difficult to accept, and to an even lesser degree comprehend, that there are circus business in Europe that want the very best for their animals, provide them with the best care and are extremely fond of them, we would like to highlight the fact that for the past ten years, the circus sector itself has pushed for adequate legislation that would enable it to keep, exhibit and transport wild animals.

 Since 1770, animals have been an inherent part of the circus performance. They belong to great circus families or to independent trainers and are all born in captivity.

Traditional circus performances are characterised by a rich tradition, are part of our cultural heritage and collective memory.

In the past 25 years, the circus has made considerable efforts in attaching great importance to and respecting animal welfare and animal care, often in contrast to the oversimplified picture that animal activists and organisations all too readily wish to present to the general public without going into the finer details.

The circus is written off by most animal organisations as a world in which animals lead a woeful, appalling and cruel existence, in which welfare never takes precedence and the animal’s individuality and identity is totally ignored.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

There has been enough scientific research done and numerous testimonies by veterinarians show that the very opposite also forms a true picture and that the traditional circus acts with knowledge of the facts.

And this is precisely why the circus is the first party to accuse those businesses that act in bad faith and which do not respect animal welfare or simply flout legislation.

Abusive conditions have also often been denounced by the circus community.

 However we do not want the baby to be thrown out with the bath water and circus businesses with the best intentions that uphold the right ethics to be punished as the result of a few “rotten apples in the basket”.

Such an attitude would demonstrate little respect for the efforts that circuses and trainers make day in, day out to ensure and optimise the welfare of their animals.

If animal protection has its heart in the right place, this cannot be their intention.

All the more so as these same circuses support the importance of animal rights and ad-hoc organisations.

 Malpractices must be exposed and repeat offenders must be prosecuted irrevocably.

 Thank God that there are also animal organisations, with the necessary expertise in the field, which recognise that there are circuses that cannot be reproached for anything at all, circuses that conduct their business properly and even serve as a role model.

 Pirate circuses, often from the former Soviet states, South America and Asia must be called to order immediately.

In contrast, the vast majority of circuses in Europe deserve more respect - and in some cases even restoration of their honour - from those animal organisations that disseminate incorrect and often misleading information, influence and manipulate public opinion, with the aim of being able to promote their operations and actions and being able to cement the reason for their existence.

 To subsequently say nothing about dubious practices, under the guise of animal welfare, while the same animals are gratefully used to make the news with “dramatic” stories and cleverly compiled video images, to stir up strong emotions among the public, and thus be able to justify their true “core business”; i.e. receiving as many donations as possible and raising funds from private individuals and public bodies and organisations.

 In France as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and Spain (to name but a few countries) the circus does not limit itself to compliance with the usual standards and rules, but creates additional facilities and undertakes actions to guarantee an even better life for the animals, on its own initiative.

Who is aware that circuses invest in additional accommodation, that they attach a great deal of importance to the right food, to a balanced diet, to movement therapy and to regular veterinary supervision?

Who has ever mentioned the winter accommodation and the domains that have been purchased and equipped by circus businesses to guarantee a peaceful and dignified life, also after the animals’ circus career is over?

 Animal activists undertake action that attracts powerful media coverage and that benefits from a well-founded lobbying apparatus, upon the services of which they regularly call, but in doing so they also often repress those small-scale and commendable circus initiatives, which do not have access to the same resources to approach media and politics.

 The point here is not about engaging in confrontation on an equal footing, but of advocating for fairness and respect for circus families and businesses that demonstrate a loyal attitude and treat wild animals properly.

 For these circuses, but also for the millions of spectators that are deeply fond of the traditional circus and also insist that animals are treated properly in the circus, this is paramount.

Therefore, we hope that animal activists and animal welfare organisations can adopt a constructive attitude towards circuses that have the best intentions at heart with regard to the welfare of their animals and that make genuine efforts in this area.

THANKS FOR VOTING NOW TO SUPPORT THE PERENNIALITY OF THE CIRCUS WITH ANIMALS AND THOSE WHO ACT WITH THE GREATEST RESPECT FOR ANIMAL WELFARE.

Thank you for voting and mentioning your city - Merci de voter et d'indiquer le nom de votre ville - Vielen Dank zu wählen und Ihre Stadt zu erwähnen -Gracias a votar y hablar de su ciudad -Grazie di voto e di di indicare il vostro città.