Bright lights, an extravagant show and an array of entertainment are a few aspects to imagine when thinking of the circus.
However, when the curtains are drawn, the picture in mind – for some – dims.
Concerns for animal welfare have seen some turn away, and it’s starting to take a toll on business, according to fifth generation lion tamer Warren Lennon, from Lennon Bros Circus.
“We’ve heard that we chain our animals up and we beat them with whips, but there hasn’t been a whip in a lion’s cage for over 20 years,” he said.
“We raise them from cubs and use a rewards treats (method), just like dogs.”
Earlier this year, a petition circulated the Gold Coast region, calling for the local council to ban the use of exotic animals in circuses performing on public property.
Logan City Council also supports this stance.
Mr Lennon, on the other hand, told the Times he believed the rules should loosen, as long as animals are cared for and the company met the national standard for exhibiting animals.
“There are people saying ‘we want to get rid of your exotics’ but if we get rid of the exotics, then they’ll want to get rid of the dogs and horses,” Mr Lennon said.
“There are regulations in Australia and they’re some of the toughest regulations in the world for circuses.”
Mr Lennon reiterated that the happiness and healthiness of their animals is a top priority for the Lennon Bros Circus, and said animal exercise yards were maintained 40 per cent larger than the industry standard.
“We get spot inspections at random, so they don’t tell us when they’re coming, and if we’re found guilty (of mistreating the animals), they will take our license,” he said.
“We do love our animals and we make sure they’re happy and taken care of.”
So far, an exotic animal has never been removed from a circus, by the RSPCA in Queensland, according to RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty.
“We do not in anyway believe that circuses are intentionally cruel to their animals. In fact, we believe that they genuinely love them,” he said.
“However, we do believe they belong in an open area, like a zoo, and not spend a year on the road performing tricks.
“If we do get complaints, we refer the job to Bio Security Queensland – as circuses operate under their legislation.
“To be honest, we don’t get many (circus complaints) these days.”
