AD’s electoral manifesto to include animal circuses ban

Alternattiva Demokratika has reiterated its call for the banning of animal circuses in Malta adding that this policy will be part of its electoral manifesto.

Addressing a press conference in front of the parliament in Valletta, AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said that, if elected in parliament, AD would ensure that a bill is passed banning the use of animal in circuses.

"Whilst we acknowledge that circuses are sites of entertainment, these should not be allowed to use animals, due to the exploitation involved. AD's election in parliament will ensure that a bill is passed to ban the use of animals in circuses," Briguglio said.

He said that recently, Greece became the first European country to ban all animals in circuses. The UK Government unanimously passed legislation which will lead to the banning of wild animals in circuses. Other European countries including Austria, Portugal, Denmark and Croatia have either banned or are phasing out the use of wild animals in circuses.

"Outside Europe, countries including Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay and China, have also banned such circuses, and the USA is considering legislation. Various city councils around the world have also followed suit in banning such circuses," Briguglio added.

AD's spokesman for animal welfare Simon Galea added that circus animals are made to perform unnatural tricks most of which following a long cruel training process.

"These animals live a life of misery, with the constant traveling plus confinement in limited spaces. It is unethical to permit these practices and use of animals in circuses should be banned for good," Galea said.