Halifax Forum
2901 Windsor Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5E5
July 21th, 2003
Dear Mr. Driscoll,
Re: the “no exotic animals” clause in the Shrine Circus contract
Animal Rights Collective of Halifax, Nova Scotia Humane Society, and Taking Action to Protect Animals would like to thank you for your compassion and understanding of the captive wild and exotic animals‘ plight.
We have learned through correspondence with Ms. Tina Jewers that the Forum has included a “no exotic animals” clause in the Shrine Circus contract for 2003. The result of this decision is not only a small break for the animals but also, and more importantly, a strong message to circus operators and supporters.
The public is becoming increasingly enlightened regarding the cruelty and dangers involved with using animals in entertainment. Exotic animals used in circuses are cruelly trained through the use of such barbaric tools as bullhooks, chains, whips, and electric prods. They spend the majority of their lives in the backs of trailers and boxcars, traveling from city to city in all kinds of extreme weather conditions. The elephants are chained by two legs, and other animals such as bears, big cats, and primates are forced to eat, drink, sleep, defecate, and urinate in the same cramped cages. The circus deprives all wild animals of the opportunity to exercise, roam, socialize, forage, and play. Moreover, captive elephants, big cats, primates, and bears have killed 125 people and injured hundreds more just since 1990.
There is little doubt that circuses with animals will soon be extinct. Management at The Halifax Forum has raised the bar for venues all over this country. With a “no exotic animals” clause in circus contracts, circus animals will see retirement much sooner.
Thank you for making such an ethical decision and we urge you to keep this clause included in future contracts with the Shrine Circus.
