No approval given for Zippos acts

Jul 18 2008 by alanwoodison, Lennox Herald (main ed)

I am writing with regard to the article in the Lennox Herald last week, entitled “Protesters go wild at big top training".

We are thankful that the Lennox Herald wrote an article on the important issue of the use of animals in circuses. The overwhelming majority of British citizens oppose the use of all animals in circuses and it is therefore important that the problem of cruelty to animals in this industry is debated in the press.

However, your article included wrong information on ADI's position about animals in circuses.

Your article stated that: "A spokesman from Zippo's Circus hit back at the accusations, describing them as 'so transparently false as to be laughable.'

“He said in relation to the treatment of horses, in particular, it used transportation and training methods approved by other animal rights group, including Animal Defenders and Born Free."

This is completely wrong. Animal Defenders International (ADI) opposes all animal acts in circuses and we are leading a global campaign to end circus suffering in circuses in Europe, Latin America and the USA.

We have never, and will never, approve any animal acts in circuses whatsoever.

I appreciate that the above quote may not reflect the newspaper’s opinion and that you may have been misled. However, you remain responsible for the information that you publish, and we believe that this article seriously affects ADI's reputation.

More information about our campaign can be found here www.ad-international.org/home/

Helder Constantino

Senior Political Officer

Animal Defenders International

LONDON