A circus trainer in Russia was nearly attacked by a performing bear named Donut during a live show in front of hundreds of children and parents. The bear suddenly turned on its trainer, Sergei Prichinich, pinning him to the ground and snapping at him for about half a minute. A worker outside the cage eventually prodded the bear, allowing the trainer to get back on his feet and continue the routine with the bear. Video footage of the incident showed the bear gnawing at a stick held up by the trainer before losing all aggression and walking away. The head of the Moretti Circus praised the trainer for remaining calm and allowing the bear to express its emotions.
Animal rights campaigner Yuri Koretskikh expressed concern over the incident and called for a ban on live animal performances in circuses. While the incident ended safely, Koretskikh highlighted the potential risks associated with using animals in performances. In 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill banning all forms of animal cruelty, but animal performances were not covered under the law. However, a bill proposed by the Russian governing body in 2023 aimed to ban the use of circus animals in the country, with a focus on protecting the lives and welfare of animals involved in such performances. The bill was set to move to the lower chamber for further consideration.
The issue of animal rights in circuses has been a contentious one in Russia, with a focus on the welfare of animals involved in performances. The Russian circus lobby has faced criticism for defending its commercial interests and resisting progress towards banning the use of animals in circuses. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office published a report in 2022 that found numerous cases of illegal use and animal cruelty in a review of over 500 animal shelters, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to protect animals in captivity. Animal rights activists have long called for an end to the use of animals in circus performances in Russia and around the world.
While the incident at the Moretti Circus ended without serious consequences, the potential dangers of using animals in live performances were underscored. The bear, Donut, exhibited aggressive behavior towards her trainer, illustrating the unpredictable nature of working with wild animals in a circus setting. Animal rights campaigners have argued that the use of animals in circuses is outdated and cruel, emphasizing the need for a shift towards more humane forms of entertainment that do not exploit animals for human amusement. The proposed ban on circus animals in Russia reflects a growing recognition of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals in entertainment industries.
The incident at the Moretti Circus serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and ethical dilemmas associated with using animals in circus performances. While the trainer managed to diffuse the situation and continue the routine with the bear, the incident highlighted the need for stronger regulations to protect the welfare of animals in captivity. The proposed ban on circus animals in Russia represents a step towards addressing these concerns and moving towards more ethical and humane practices in the entertainment industry. Animal rights activists continue to advocate for the phasing out of live animal performances in circuses, emphasizing the importance of respecting the lives and well-being of all animals involved.
