Tom Duffy circus rejects claims that its animals are poorly treated ahead of Cavan visit

Tom Duffy's traditional Irish Circus has rejected criticism from animal rights group ARAN that its animals are poorly-treated. The circus is due to visit Cavan Town's Ring Road site from Wednesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 6, as part of its 2014 tour.

David Duffy, the circus’s Managing Director and ringmaster said: “Here at Duffy’s we are totally dedicated to the welfare of our animals. There is a vast difference between animal welfare and animal rights.”

He added: “Animal rights activists often hold extreme views. They claim that animals have the right to roam free without any interaction with humans, they don’t want to see any animals in circuses or zoos, and some believe we shouldn’t have pets or guide dogs. Every right-minded person believes in animal welfare, but for ARAN to claim that our animals suffer is misleading the public and has offended our dedicated team of specialist animal carers.”

Mr Duffy further claimed that sea lions, in particular, respond well to captivity. 'Andrew, Ziggy and Nelson are treated extremely well, there is nothing they love more than interacting with humans – this is witnessed daily by our audiences.  When the Sea Lions are not performing they have a large outdoor swimming pool to swim and play in as well as an indoor pool.'

He further pointed out that ISPCA inspectors are free to visit the circus at any time without notice to check out their animals' welfare and conditions.

He continued: “It’s a myth invented by animal rights groups that we are secretive about our animals, and that we travel hundreds of miles between venues. Our tour is scheduled to avoid long journeys for the animals - the average journey is under 40 kms. Standards might be lower in foreign circuses, but those are not the standards we expect in Ireland.”

Mr Duffy also commented on claims that the animals are forced to perform.

“Our animal trainers know each animal individually. They teach them only routines tailored to their natural abilities and individual preferences. Sea lions in particular are highly intelligent and social animals, and ours enjoy nothing more than human interaction with everyone they meet.

“The long-term well-being and welfare of all our animals is a top priority at Tom Duffy’s. The traditional circus with animals is a recognised art form in Ireland, supported and funded by The Arts Council.  Our audience numbers grow year on year, last year over 160,000 people came to see our performances and meet our animals, and this year we expect even more. Would all these people come if they thought our animals were mistreated in any way?”