Stardust Circus on Rosehill Racecourse causes online death threats and planned protests
Supporters of the circus claimed they have received death threats over their views on animals in the circus. The circus’ ringmaster said the abuse is nothing new as they set up the big top in Rosehill.
Parramatta
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Supporters of Stardust Circus have been inundated with online abuse during a debate on the circus setting up on the grounds of Rosehill Racecourse.
Ringmaster Adam St James says it’s an argument that follows them around to each town and suburb they visit.
“It’s incredibly frustrating when we hear them (activists) speak out of ignorance, and they don’t realise the wonderful treatment our animals receive,” Mr St James said.
Stardust and Lennon Brothers are the only two circuses in Australia still using animals. They have lions, monkeys and horses in their touring troupe and many online activists have voiced their opinions.
Justina Dimitriou from Harris Park said she was excited the circus was back this year but said after making a statement on Facebook she was sent messages of abuse and death threats.
“Your (sic) a disgrace,” one read. “I hope someone puts you in a cage and abuses you.
“If you support the circus I hope you die a painful death.”
Mrs Dimitriou said she has had to block people online after the attacks, and would not be deterred from visiting the circus.
“Everyone should go and see for themselves like I did, it was a very eye opening experience,” she said.
On the other side of opinion, Blacktown resident Minu Kaneshaknar has also received abuse despite opposing animals in the circus.
“Personally I don’t think these beautiful wild animals are meant to be cooped up and perform for us but should be left to roam free in their natural environments. I’m surprised this hasn’t been outlawed yet,” she said.
Spokeswoman from Australia’s branch of PETA Emma Hurst said the abuse is a sign of the public turning against the use of animals.
“No reasonable person condones violence, but it’s animals in circuses who are enduring the real abuse,” she said.
“The public has rightly turned against abusive animal performances. Until Lennon Bros and Stardust eliminate animal acts from their performances, their reputations will continue to suffer and their attendance will drop.”
Animals in circuses have been banned for 12 years after a motion from former Parramatta councillor Julia Finn was passed. It states that no council park, reserve or land will be used for any trained wild animal performances.
Mr St James said using Australian Turf Club grounds avoided those bans.
The Australian Turf Club was approached but did not provide comment on the use of the racecourse for the circus and activist groups are planning ongoing protests against the circus.
Stardust is at the Rosehill site until July 29.