PERFORMING ANIMALS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sm,—Since writing in the Spectator of October 4th, on the subject of Performing Animals, I hear that the polar bear that killed Herr Adolf Cossmeyer is not only in captivity, as I wrote, but is being exhibited in Mr. Bertram Mills's circus. The Performing Animals' Defence League has taken the matter up with the Home Secretary, for the animal is obviously dangerous and should be either taken back to his natural habitat or killed. To leave him in the power of friends or relations of the dead man seems to me undesirable ; moreover, it is un- pleasant to think that some people may be attracted to the circus by the desire to see the bear who killed a man. The Home Secretary has powers under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act of 1925, and he should use them.
What will happen to wild animals in circuses and menageries when a new and better Act comes into force ? Will they be sold to zoos, exported to the Continent, or knocked on the head ? I hope the latter, unless the circus managers who have derived profit from their exhibition are generous enough to pay for their repatriation.—I am, Sir, &c. F. Y.-B.
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