"I understand why people often harbour
an instinctive belief that keeping animals in circuses is cruel or
distasteful. I was brought up with that belief. When I began writing a
book about the circus, it was the daredevilry of the human performers
that I wanted to celebrate. I quickly realised, however, that I would
have to visit some of the last remaining circuses with animals because
that was where I could get a glimpse into the history of the art form. I
went along as a sceptic. Indeed, I went looking for signs of cruelty.
But I was determined, too, to speak to the trainers and find out the
truth."
Douglas McPherson has written an excellent piece on the distinction between
animal welfare and animal rights, using animal
circuses as a prime example. Despite articles in
The Huffington Post,
The Guardian and several books and websites dedicated to this education, the distinction between animal rights and animal welfare is often blurred. McPherson joins other journalists who have noticed how circus is the thin end of the wedge in the argument. Read his very interesting new article
here.
