Bengaluru circus under scrutiny for using elephants, camels

When it comes to animal welfare issues, animals being ill-treated at the circuses are always a big cause of concern. The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) has now raised a complaint marked to the Animal Welfare Board of India, in which they have highlighted that animals are being used for performance at the Great Prabhat Circus in Betahalli Layout, Bengaluru, which has now apparently been shifted to Begur Main Road. A spokesperson from FIAPO says, “Animals, especially the big ones, like camels and elephants, are not supposed to be used for performances. We have written to the Animal Welfare Board of India to take this matter under consideration after we received videos and pictures from activists, to set an example for everyone in the nation.”

The complaint to the Animal Welfare Board of India reads, “We appeal you to take an immediate action, as per the existing rules of performing animals. As per the rules and procedure, under Section 63 of the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 the premises (including circuses) housing a wild animal are required to be registered with the Central Zoo Authority, and if any other animal other than wild animals is being made to perform, then mandatory registration is required under the Rule 3 of the Performing Animals Rules, 1973 r/w Section 22 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, restricting exhibition and training of performing animals without registration under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001. Based on the above, we strongly urge you to consider this complaint and confiscate the animals with the Great Prabhat Circus.”

The complaint was filed on Monday and FIAPO had yet to receive a response from the AWBI at the time of going to press.