Readers have responded to letters criticising those who spoke out about an elephant at the Kenilworth circus.
FROM: Ursula Bates, Ursula@SolihullAnimalAid.org, wrote:
I totally agree with Thomas Rainey that fireworks should be banned and, like him, I wish the RSPCA would call for a ban. Has Mr Rainey ever campaigned against fireworks? I, along with many oth
er animal welfare campaigners, have.
However, as someone who campaigns (peacefully!) against all forms of animal abuse, including animals exploited in circuses, zoos, at bird fayres, pet sales etc., I do object to being labelled as an 'animal rights fanatic' by the author of your second letter who chose to write anonymously and sees nothing wrong with bird fayres.
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Click here to email your report He/she should have a look at video footage taken by the Animals Protection Agency and other animal welfare organisations. How can anyone support the cruel snatching of parrots and other exotic birds from the wild, knowing that very many of them will die a horrible death before they ever reach this country?
The same applies to primates brutally captured and shipped off to laboratories where they undergo horrific experimentation.
Just what is wrong with having compassion for all the other animals with which we share this planet?
It is we humans who are responsible for the appalling suffering of thousands of millions of animals incarcerated in factory farms and laboratories and, one day, I firmly believe we will reap our just desserts for the cruelty we inflict on other animals.
Animals have as much right to live on this earth as we do.
FROM: Chris, chris@stopanimalcruelty.co.uk
I was wondering why you consider the issue of animals in circuses a lower priority than that of an animal affected by fireworks.
In my experience, people who tell others how to prioritise their campaign efforts have never campaigned for anything in there lives. I am a firm believer that animals do have rights and I therefore campaign for animal rights in the same way I campaign for human rights.
I cannot understand individuals who complain about animal rights. What is so ludicrous about freedom from interference from humans? Why shouldn't animals have the right to live out their lives without being imprisoned or killed?
West Midlands Animal Action should address issues where they can make a positive difference quickly. Surely this is common sense? Rather than spending years trying to get fireworks banned?
I would recommend that you read into "the animal rights issue" before you write to your local newspaper in future. I fear that reading the mainstream media has clouded your view of what "the animal rights issue" is no doubt you fear that you cannot visit the circus now due to the animal rights terrorist who according the American news are more of a threat than Al Qaeda.
I would have had more respect for you if you would have had the initiative to think of the billions of animals dieing for the meat industry?
Why not join a local animal rights group so that you can see what a group of compassionate, fun and pro-active bunch of people we are.
