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MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE Michael Creed has today signed regulations that will ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
The measures will come into effect on 1 January 2018.
“The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted. This is the general view of the public at large and a position I am happy to endorse,” Creed said.
“This is a progressive move, reflective of our commitment to animal welfare.”
Creed said that he is allowing a “modest” period of time for alternative arrangements to be made for the animals in question.
While circus owners and operators may have their regrets about this move, Creed said that he appreciated their concern and care for the animals that have been part of their lives.
However, he said the ability of a travelling circus to provide fully for all the needs of animals such as camels or tigers is no longer a tenable position.
“While the retirement of the small numbers of wild animals in circuses might seem like a loss, I am confident that this move will do more to secure the future of the circus community,” Creed said.
“Coming in line with modern welfare standards will mean that greater numbers of the public will be more comfortable going to the circus,” he said.
The Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017 are made under the Animal and Welfare Act 2013.
Animal Rights Action Network’s John Carmody said that today was a “great day”.
He said: “Finally Ireland can raise its head and be proud that the country has finally taken a meaningful and real step to stop the suffering of wild animals forced to travel and perform in Irish circuses. We spent 20 plus years fighting for this day and here it is.”
With reporting from Sean Murray
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It’s only right we help out after all we have a large Filipino community here in Ireland paying taxes working mostly in healthcare.
I don’t think we’d have begrudged a million considering there’s over two million people affected and it’s a Roman Catholic country on Christmas week. (not that the type matters but its terrible timing). Actually, did the Vatican send any aid by chance?
@Watchful Axe: What does it matter if it’s a catholic country or not?
And the “WE SHOULD LOOK AFTER ARE OWN FIRS” Will be along in 3….2……1
@Tommy Berry: what’s wrong with our FIRS?
@Tommy Berry: the next recession when this all have to be paid back will turn those who work will be turned into endentured slaves, the wise ones will emergrate, the rest will ride the system as usual from the warmth of their beds
@Gerard Heery: If yf you know people riding the system, report them.
@Tommy Berry: don’t get me started ha
The disabled in this country are told there is no money to help you and new schemes they were promised in 2013 that would help disabled people become mobile are still ongoing but they can send money out of the country on a whim … not that I begrudge then they deserve it but start helping out vulnerable too.
Good to assist but please make sure it gets to those who need it most through reputable NGO’s.
I am also wondering why the story about the ex-president of the Ukraine being accused of treason is blocked for comments if it was about Trump being charged I doubt that comments would be closed.
https://www.thejournal.ie/former-ukrain-president-treason-investigation-5637993-Dec2021/
Good call. Direct it through NGOs. Sadly, huge amounts of aid contributed after Typhoon Yolanda went missing.
Extremely low level of assistance for this situation. I would have considered a Million€ as a minimum amount to donate. Be interesting to see other comments
250,000 is like a packet crisps
We must do all we can to help the people.
have your say