Investigation Launched Into Malta Circus Animal Abuse Claims To Ensure ‘Justice Is Served’
An investigation is underway to determine whether a duck that was allegedly thrown into the audience as part of a live circus act in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq was injured during the show.
“After a report was made over the alleged use and abuse of an animal in a circus, the Animal Rights Directorate is ensuring that no animal has been injured,” Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said today following Lovin Malta’s reports on the abuse.
“I am informed that an investigation is underway to make sure that justice is served.”
Lovin Malta reached out to the Animal Rights Ministry as soon as the initial story was released – the Ministry has yet to respond to any questions.
The incident allegedly occurred at the Cirkelli Circus in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq on 22nd December, and first came to light after a local content creator, Sarah Grech, attended the show with her boyfriend.
Grech then recounted what she saw – a performer pulling out a real duck and throwing it at the crowd repeatedly.
‘‘Each time the duck hit the metal stands or the stone floor, it struggled to move before being grabbed and launched into the air again,” Grech recounted, livid at what she saw.
When her boyfriend asked the organiser whether he thought that part of the show was morally right, he allegedly replied with: ‘‘Are you implying that I like to torture animals?’’
Grech called the police to report what she had seen.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, a police spokesperson confirmed that the report had been received – and that the animal in question had been confiscated from the circus and handed over to Animal Welfare.
“A report was lodged on 22nd December upon which the police acted immediately by calling on site and initiated the necessary investigations. The mentioned animal was handed over to the Animal Welfare Services, while the investigations are still ongoing,” police said.
Following the revelations, Animal Commissioner Alison Bezzina has appealed to the public to come forward with any and all footage or testimony from the incident.
Malta prohibited the use of any animals in circuses back in 2014, with fines of up to €30,000 applicable to first time offenders, and up to €50,000 for repeat offenders.
A bill currently being discussed in Parliament will widen the legal definition of circus to mean “any exhibition put on by exhibitors for profit, and viewed by the public for entertainment which offers amusement and display, and where animals are made to perform tricks or manoeuvres, which do not reflect their natural behaviour or does not offer any educational value”.
Since the story was made public, other people have come forward saying that animals are used in other types of shows, including magician-style shows.
What do you make of this kind of “animal entertainment” in Malta?
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