Media Advisory 10th October 2003

Human Circus on Queen St
Campaign Launch to End Animal Circuses

Media Event: Human circus performers and other circus fanfare will be part of the launch of a nation-wide campaign to End Animal Circuses in NZ.

Where: Inside & outside The Body Shop, 225 Queen St (cnr Darby St), Auckland.

When: Monday, 13th October 2003, 1.15pm.

SAFE & The Body Shop

SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation) and The Body Shop are launching this campaign to end exotic animal circuses in New Zealand.

Govt Re-Writing Regulations

The Government is re-writing regulations governing animal circuses. The draft regulations are now open for public consultation until 14th November. The public can complete postcard submissions available at The Body Shops nation-wide.

Rare Opportunity

This campaign is targeting a rare opportunity to ban exotic animal circuses New Zealand. These regulations are being re-written for the first time since the new Animal Welfare Act was passed in 2000. They will not be reviewed for at least another 10 years.

Exotic Animal Circuses on the Wane

Fifteen countries including Ireland, Brazil, Singapore and Sweden have totally or partially banned circuses with animals, on grounds of cruelty. Over 300 municipal Councils throughout the world have implemented policies prohibiting animal circuses performing on council-owned land. New Zealand has the lowest number of registered circuses with exotic animals than ever before. There is only one remaining touring circus with exotic animals - the Whirling Brothers Circus. They have eight exotic animals including Jumbo the elephant. One other NZ circus with a solitary chimpanzee is touring Australia.

Contact: SAFE Spokesperson- Gary Reese mb 021 53 52 56 Video footage: VHS footage of NZ circuses and animals - available on request

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