From Jamie Clubb

Dear ECA members, relations and circus media. The ECA and circuses in the UK had a big success yesterday. The report made by the scientific group, established by the UK Ministry (DEFRA) reported yesterday as one of the conclusions: ‘8.6.2. ……………………. The overriding conclusion of this exercise is that our present state of knowledge about the welfare of non-domesticated animals used in circuses is such that we cannot look to scientific evidence for a steer in the development of policy; it is, ultimately, an entirely political decision. Once the relevant policy is decided upon, its implementation is essentially a question of politics and law; science, on this occasion, provides no relevant guidance as to the appropriate principle to be adopted. That means that we proved that there is no reason to ban non domesticated animals in circuses for welfare reasons. The BBC started a poll now to see what the reactions from the public are. See on website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7103340.stm The poll is currently indicated 77% in favor of banning animals in the circus with some 5,000 having voted. This means we all have to send as many positive votes TODAY BY E –MAIL. So please help. Send this message to all your relations and ask for their immediate help. Arie Oudenes Director E