By ALESHA CAPONE
OLD-FASHIONED circuses with whip-cracking lion tamers and bicycle-riding monkeys will no longer be able to perform on land owned by Hobsons Bay City Council.
Last week the council voted to introduce a policy prohibiting the use of non-domesticated exotic animals in circuses on council land. This includes elephants, large cats and non-human primates.
The council’s decision comes after a circus operator booked Apex Park for March this year.
The circus involved was listed as “the only circus in Australia to use performing exotic animals” in the council’s report.
The report also said “the decision to permit the circus resulted in a number of complaints from people
opposed to the use of animals in circuses.”
“These views are in line with those of the RSPCA which opposes the use of non-domesticated (exotic) animals in circuses believing the requirements of circus life are not compatible with the physiological, social and behavioural needs of the animals,” the report said.
“The circus that used exotic animals in Hobsons Bay in March 2012 was well attended and supported by some sectors of the community.
“This circus does continue to have bookings in other metropolitan areas, and people would be able to attend these events if they chose to.”
The council’s new policy will not impact on domesticated animals or petting zoos which can be used for community events.
