Life's no joke for circus animals
I'm sure the quirky photo of circus camels on the beach (Irish Independent, July 25) brought a smile to many people's faces. Sadly, the fact is that circus animals endure a miserable existence.
Perhaps occasionally, benign animals like camels get a break from their captivity -- weather permitting.
However, almost all circus animals spend their whole lives behind bars. There is just no way that any circus can provide an adequate living environment for any animal.
Whips are used to reinforce commands in the ring, but real training takes place off the road in secret.
I have seen photographs taken by undercover animal welfare officers that show animals being beaten by metal bars to make them perform stupid tricks.
It's time to call a halt to animals being abused in the name of entertainment.
Daphne Hogan
Portmarnock, Co Dublin
