Belfast Telegraph, 18 January 2011

Circuses that exploit animals will no longer be welcome on land controlled by education and library boards.

All five boards have banned circuses involving animals from their property, while Belfast Board says any application would be carefully considered.

North Down Alliance councillor Andrew Muir said he has been battling to close the loophole since Circus Vegas performed in Bangor in August and is hoping he has succeeded.

“Evidence from the Alliance for Animal Rights details ‘Animals in circuses live a life of restriction, cages, chains and constant transportation,’ said Mr Muir.

What can you do

– Boycott circuses with performing animals

– Become a Freedom for Animals supporter – you can help to make a difference

– Write to your Assembly Member/TD, asking them to support a ban animal use in circuses. Contact details can be found HERE for Republic of Ireland and HERE for Northern Ireland

– Write to your local newspaper highlighting what is wrong with circuses.

– Send a donation to help our campaigns – your contribution is vital.

Click HERE to get involved in our campaigns in the Republic of Ireland and HERE to get involved in Northern Ireland contact us info@captiveanimals.org to join our e-mail list.