Moonlight circus derecognized, all animals deregistered

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, April 8:  The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has derecognized the Moonlight Circus after investigations by animal rights groups which revealed exploitation and torture of its animals.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has also de-registered the animals of the circus which is registered in Lakhimpur district of Assam.

A People's for Ethical Treatment to Animals (PETA) spokesman said that the organization has started rescuing animals from the circus from February this year after the order and permission from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and state wildlife departments.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had authorised PETA to conduct 16 inspections from November 2012 to July 2013.

The investigation found that the animals were subjected to torture, while some died due to idequate care, constant chaining and caging and handling by drunk circus employees.

The investigation report said that elephants were restrained at all times; camels, horses, dogs and birds housed in cramped and filthy living spaces; and all animals deprived of everything tural and important to them.

The birds, camel, horses and dogs have been moved to PFA Wardha and the four rescued circus elephants will be moved to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Care Center where the animals will be rehabilitated over time.

Moonlight circus was then performing in nded in Maharastra.

The nded district chief judicial magistrate's court dismissed the circus' plea to retain the custody of its animals.

PETA said the animals exhibited extreme psychological distress.

The rescue was a coordited effort involving many animal rights organisations including PETA, Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), People for Animals (PFA) from Hyderabad, Pune, Uttarakhand and Wardha, Resquink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), Thane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Wildlife SOS.