Query on circus elephants in India and CZA circular

[Guest guest]

Dear colleagues,

It appears there is some confusion regarding the

latest order of the Central Zoo Authority that prohibits keeping elephants

in zoos. The initial media reports stated the order was applicable to

circuses as well. However, this does not seem to be the case for the

circular does not mention elephants in captivity in circuses. The Animal

Welfare Board of India has also mentioned that the circular is not meant for

elephants in circuses. Can anyone please throw some light on this? Also, if

elephants in circuses are not under the ambit of this particular CZA

direction, what legal clause do they have to follow to house elephants and

if CZA has any say over that?

Thank you.

Regards,

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Both CZA and AWBI are working on this mix up.

 

The AWBI will soon come out with an official statement I am told by the

Secretary as this matter has been tabled before the Board members.

 

I had earlier written to the Board asking to throw light on the statement of

the secretary.

 

Also CZA has verbally confirmed with a leading Animal Rights group of India

head that the 'Zoo' order also includes the Circuses as well.

 

PETA India Mentor, Anuradha Sawhney and CUPA Vice President, Ms. Suparna

Ganguly have also written to the AWBI and CZA in this regard to clear the

confusion.

 

Ms Brindha Nandakumar of WRRC, Bangalore has written to the AWBI and this is

what she has to say, " Regarding whether the same applies to zoos, I wish to

clarify that the word " ZOO " as defined in Section 2 (39) of the Wild

Life (Protection) Act covers circuses and hence the notification also

applies to circuses.

 

Section 2 (39): " zoo " means an establishment , whether stationary or

mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public ( and

includes a circus and rescue centres but does not include an establishment

) of a licensed dealer in captive animals).

 

 

 

Prior to 2003, circuses were expressly excluded from the definition of zoos

.. However by virtue of the amendment to the Wild Life (Protection) Act in

the year 2003, circuses were included in the definition of zoos as per

Amendment 2003.

 

 

Hence the Wild life Protection Act and all Rules framed under the WLP Act

pertaining to zoos apply to circuses for all purposes. "

 

It is not only a matter of time before we get the official word on 'Circus'

also being a part of this BAN.

 

Shall keep you guys posted.

 

Azam

 

 

 

 

On Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 2:48 PM, <

journalistandanimals wrote:

 

>

>

> Dear colleagues,

> It appears there is some confusion regarding the

> latest order of the Central Zoo Authority that prohibits keeping elephants

> in zoos. The initial media reports stated the order was applicable to

> circuses as well. However, this does not seem to be the case for the

> circular does not mention elephants in captivity in circuses. The Animal

> Welfare Board of India has also mentioned that the circular is not meant

> for

> elephants in circuses. Can anyone please throw some light on this? Also, if

> elephants in circuses are not under the ambit of this particular CZA

> direction, what legal clause do they have to follow to house elephants and

> if CZA has any say over that?

> Thank you.

> Regards,

>

>

>

>