Bayside Council to ban large animals

A petition has raised over 3000 signatures against Stardust Circus to stop the use of exotic animals for entertainment in Bayside.

A petition has raised over 3000 signatures against Stardust Circus to stop the use of exotic animals for entertainment in Bayside.

Stardust Circus annually tours Australia and is known for their use of animal performance such as African lions, monkeys, horses and ponies. In a recent council meeting they were given approval to operate in Bayside with 10 councillors in favour and two against.

The Mayor of Bayside Council, Bill Saravinovski said: “One needs to consider in the petition that was submitted, only 22 people in Bayside had signed the petition, I repeat only 22.”

Other councils including The Hills Shire, Hornsby and Hawkesbury have placed a ban on circuses that use any exotic animals for entertinment.

Councillor Scott Morrissey of the Port Botany Ward said: “I believe they look after the animals but it’s about the long term welfare of the animals . . . the next generation should not grow up thinking animals like this should perform for entertainment.

“It’s very well documented through the RSPCA that the long-term welfare of primates such as lions and monkeys is not suited to the circus environment,” he said.

According to a British study on circus animals, the research came to the conclusion that non-domesticated animals commonly kept in circuses are least suited to the circus life.

The council came to the conclusion that they should not be the moral compass and to let the community decide on their own.

“We’ve approved Stardust it’s a legal business and based on the information we were given it is reputable circus . . . if there is any animal cruelty we will be the first ones to shut down the operation,” said Mr Saravinovski.

The council has given consent to Stardust circus to perform July next year.

Written by Varun Bodhi