MEDIA RELEASE: 26th SEPTEMBER 2019

EXOTIC ANIMALS IMPRISONED FOR ‘ENTERTAINMENT’ IN NSW ONE STEP CLOSER TO FREEDOM AS PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY IS ANNOUNCED

A long awaited Parliamentary Inquiry into the exhibition of exotic animals in circuses and the exhibition of cetaceans in NSW has been announced today, following months of campaigning by concerned communities across the state.

Animal Justice Party MP the Hon. Emma Hurst MLC will serve as Deputy Chair, and has credited the hard work of Animal Justice Party members and activists for ensuring that the Inquiry secured the support of the NSW Government.

“This inquiry into the use of animals for so-called ‘entertainment’ is long overdue,” said Ms Hurst.

“It has been clear for years that the New South Wales community is horrified we are still allowing wild animals including lions, monkeys and dolphins to be imprisoned and forced to perform for human ‘entertainment’.

“Holding wild animals captive and forcing them to carry out unnatural, mindless tricks is cruel and inhumane. These are animals who suffer a lifetime of stress, boredom, frustration and lethargy to provide a dwindling number of people with a few minutes of “entertainment”.

“There is no educational value in seeing an animal being forced into a tiny space to perform for baying crowds. Allowing this animal abuse to go ahead simply teaches dominance and disrespect.

“New South Wales is falling behind on animal protection. Over forty councils and one territory in Australia have already banned the use of exotic animals in the circus. It is clear that this awful form of animal exploitation is completely out of line with community expectations. 

“Our weak laws have failed these animals long enough. This inquiry is the first step to putting an end to the use of animals in ‘entertainment’ once and for all,” said Ms Hurst.

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