Animal activist groups petition against Stardust, Lennon Bros. circus in Hills Shire
A PETITION and motion to stop circuses that include the use of exotic animals on council land was stonewalled by Hills Shire councillors, while Stardust Circus was preparing to set up at the Castle Hill Showground.
Hills Shire
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A PETITION and motion to stop circuses that include the use of exotic animals on council land was stonewalled by Hills Shire councillors last week.
Labor councillor Ryan Tracey raised a motion following a 460 person petition to call for the end of exotic animal circuses using council land across the Hills local government area, however, could not receive the support of a seconder to debate the topic.
Cr Tracey said despite the fact that lions, elephants and monkeys have entertained residents for generations, “the time of circuses with exotic animals such as lions has become an outdated relic”.
“The use of exotic animals in the circus has been shown to be cruel and that it is time council took the step toward ceasing to hire lands to those who use exotic animals in circuses,” he said. “In Australia, there are currently no national welfare standards for circus animals.
“This is why we as a local body need to take the lead on this matter.”
Parramatta, Hornsby and Hawkesbury councils are just some of the few that have a ban on exotic animals using council land.
“This change proposed will encourage circuses to be innovative in how they entertain the public creating safer spaces, that the circus will continue to be special place for many of us to visit for generations to come without the use exotic animals,” he said.
NSW Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson said community members worked long and hands to rally for a motion to be debated.
“The community presented a reasonable and responsible plea for Council to take a moral position on animal welfare,” Mr Pearson said.
“Unfortunately, Council chose to throw its support behind a private business that profits from
the exploitation of exotic animals.”
But Stardust and Lennon Brothers ringmaster Adam St James said common sense prevailed at the council meeting.
“Councils across Sydney are realising this is not a local debate as we are licenced by the state government,” he said. “We are a law abiding business and within our rights to have the animals we have.
“These animals are a part of our family and are given the very best.”
Mr St James said people were entitled to make their own decision.
“People should do their research because these groups have an agenda to get rid of all animals completely from human care,” he said.
A Hills Shire Council spokeswoman said it has no policy to restrict circuses from hiring council venues at this point in time.
Stardust Circus will call Castle Hill Showground home from June 1 to July 1, with protest groups preparing to rally outside the premesis on June 9.
