Animals Rescued From New Sam Circus in Anantapur, India
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
November 2016

Following a complaint filed against New SAM Circus – which was recently camped in Yadiki, Anantapur – by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)–authorised inspectors from PETA India and Animal Rahat, an animal-protection organisation supported by PETA India, circus management agreed to relinquish the four animals in its care to the AWBI immediately for rehabilitation and to become an animal-free, human-only circus.

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) and People for Animals (PFA) also helped establish the circus’s offenses and facilitate the rescue effort. The two goats and two dogs from New SAM Circus have been moved to a sanctuary run by the India Project for Animals and Nature in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

sam circus india
Goat being removed from circus

New SAM Circus also signed an affidavit promising never to use animals again. The investigations by PETA India and Animal Rahat revealed that the animals were being forced to perform without the required permission from the AWBI, in violation of the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001. This prompted the AWBI to write to the Anantapur District Collector requesting action.

rescued circus goats
Rescued 'circus' goats eating great food!

rescued circus dog
A previously chained circus dog happy to meet rescuers

A nine-month AWBI-authorised inspection of 16 circuses by PETA India found, among other forms of cruelty, the rampant use of torture devices; animals who had died from inadequate care or who had simply “gone missing”; drunken circus staff who handled the animals; nearly constant chaining, caging, and other severe confinement of elephants, dogs, cats, birds, and other animals; animals who showed signs of severe psychological distress, including constant swaying, circling, and even self-mutilation; and the use of elephants and other animals who were nearly blind or had other severe eye problems.

Please add your voice to PETA’s by asking the Indian government to ban animals from being exhibited or forced to perform in circuses.

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