Funchal says “no” to animals in circuses

Funchal says “no” to animals in circuses

Madeira || A perfect example of how small parties can ring mighty changes, Madeira’s Funchal council, made up of six political parties including Partido pelos Animais e pela Natureza (PAN), standing for Party for the Animals and Nature, has ruled against authorising circuses that use wild animals.
It’s a groundbreaking decision that has received a massive thumbs-up from online readers – but SOL newspaper points out it may not be a total victory.
The problem is that the two Christmas circuses that usually come to the Madeiran capital are already committed, with “their bags packed”.
The fact that they are no longer welcome in Funchal may well see them setting up in neighbouring councils of Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Machico or Ribeira Brava.
For the time being, a plea from both circuses for a change of heart has fallen on stony ground, and animal lovers from all walks of life are enraptured.
Meantime, back on the mainland bird protection society SPEA has launched a campaign with environmental NGOs ALDEIA, A Rocha, LPN and Quercus in a bid to change national mentalities.
Under the slogan “Say NO to caged birds and tiny winged delicacies”, the campaign is designed to stop the suffering inflicted on Portugal’s wild birds.
The Portuguese have long been a nation with canaries and other songbirds in cages – and worse (for animal lovers) is the tradition for eating little birds like robins, warblers, finches and chaffinches.
In the Algarve, says SPEA, warblers and robins are frequently caught in traps to end up on people’s plates, while in Lisbon and Porto other birds are sold as pets over the internet or at fairs.
SPEA is particularly scathing about online sites that list the sale of birds, including birds of prey, alongside advertisements “for bicycles and second-hand suitcases”.
Imploring people to be on the lookout for cruelty and illegal treatment of birds, SPEA’s campaign highlights the number to call SOS Ambiente e Território, 808 200 520, or e-mail [email protected]