Vietnam Circus Federation defended their animal treatment after the Asia for Animals Coalition called to end animal cruelty at circuses in Vietnam.

The Asia for Animals Coalition (AFA) recently sent a letter to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien to express concerns over animal abuse at circus performances across Vietnam and requested action to be taken to protect the animals.

Citing Animals Asia's reports, the AFA said that up to 19 different species were being used at circuses including endangered animals. They suspected many of them had been illegally captured and held in captivity. 

The animals' living conditions are also very poor and the training regimes are cruel as the trainers use fear and threats to force the animals to follow their orders. 

The AFA particularly requested the minister to reconsider the use of animals at Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ta Duy Anh, director of Vietnam Circus Federation said the circus industry in Vietnam started in 1922 with various animals such as tigers and horses. 

According to Anh circus fairs and competitions in France, Italy, China and Russia still have animal performances.   

"Across the globe, there are two opinions on this issue. Some people said that we must protect the animals and return them to nature. Others said we must provide animals with more natural habitats," he said.

Anh said their animals' cages are clean and the food is fresh. They have 20 carers and veterinarians for periodic vaccinations. He denied accusations that their animals were beaten and mistreated while being trained.

"PETA Asia had worked with us over this problem before and we led them to visit the animal living area. They were pleased and said the living conditions were good, unlike some private circus," Anh said. 

"Old elephants that have performed for over 30 years are released into the wild. We are planning to switch from wild animals to more domesticated ones such as chickens, pigs and dogs. The wild animals will be transferred to Thu Le Zoo in Hanoi." 

The forest ranger unit in Hanoi carries out monthly and quarterly inspections to monitor the animals. Anh affirmed that all animals are transferred to conservation centres when they are old.

Performer Tong Toan Thang said, "PETA Asia asked us if we knew the animals like to perform or not. They protect the animals' rights which is new in Vietnam but I think it's reasonable."

He went on to say that they still need a proper plan and time to switch from wild animals to domesticated ones. Animal performances are necessary to the circus and close to everyone's childhoods. 

For the coming Animated Fairy Forest World show to celebrate Children's Day, the Vietnam Circus Federation will better integrate the numbers of animals with other types of performances.

Dtinews