Protest by residents of "New Borovaya" over circus-shapito issue
In the heart of Minsk, the bustling district of "New Borovaya" is abuzz with anticipation as the circus troupe, Arlequin, prepares for its first performance on Lopatina Street, scheduled for July 18. However, the excitement is marred by a cloud of controversy, with residents expressing concerns over animal welfare and alleged instances of cruelty.
The circus, which has been touring Belarus for a long time without any serious issues, has been the subject of numerous concerned messages from locals, particularly regarding the use of animals. The company "A-100", which owns the land in "Novaya Borovaya", was not previously known to the circus, raising questions about the arrangements for the animals' accommodations.
Reports of camels being temporarily tied to a car for five minutes during the unloading process due to enclosures not being ready yet, and their living conditions being confined to trailers the size of small trucks, have sparked outrage among locals. A woman driving by Aviatsionnaya Street was particularly displeased by the lack of proper enclosures for the camels.
A woman who spoke with the administrator of Arlequin was told that the animals are living fine in cages and happily performing tricks. However, she suspects that the camels may not have enough space to meet their needs.
Despite these concerns, the circus maintains that it has all necessary permits and approvals. The police were called regarding the camel incident, but no protocol was drawn up, and they left.
"A-100" values maintaining "Novaya Borovaya" as a comfortable and harmonious place for residents. In response to the concerns, they are working with the local authorities to find a solution that accommodates everyone's interests.
While the specific animal welfare regulations for traveling circuses in Belarus are not clearly defined, the broader international trend is towards stricter regulations or bans due to welfare concerns. The absence of explicit regulations underscores the need for comprehensive animal welfare laws that address not only zoo animals but also those used in traveling entertainment.
For authoritative information, contacting Belarusian government agencies or animal welfare organizations directly would be necessary. Meanwhile, ongoing advocacy and transparency are crucial for improving the welfare of animals used in traveling circuses worldwide.
Social-media users are sharing concerns about the treatment of animals in the Arlequin circus, sparking a heated debate in the heart of Minsk, especially on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The entertainment provided by the circus has now become secondary, as discussions about animal welfare take center stage, highlighting the need for clear and stricter regulations in the use of animals for entertainment.
