[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—As a great animal
lover, I deeply deplore the fact that performing animal turns are tolerated in this country, supposed to be humane. They are only a relic of bygone and barbarous times, the terrible sufferings so often endured in the training by these miserable prisoners and captives is no longer a secret for anyone owing to the published evidence of eye-witnesses as far back as 1920-21, and many theatrical and nuisichall managers strongly condemned them. Jack London, the well- known-writer says in his book " Never have I been so shocked and appalled by the world's cruelty as I have been in the midst of happy, laughing and applauding audiences when trained animal turns were being performed on the stage. Cruelty as a fine art has attained its perfect flower in the trained animal world." And this is what is provided for young children at Christmastide, as a special treat, in England to-day ! Of course, those who make money out of this trade naturally say, " all done by kindness," but they do not invite, and do not allow, people behind the scenes to see and hear the methods employed. I cannot conceive how anyone can take pleasure in watching these unhappy animals in their cramped and narrow cages; deprived of all that makes life worth living, liberty, air and sunshine, and forced to do cruel and unnatural tricks. It is a shameful misuse of man's power over the dumb creation, and I can find no words strong enough to condemn those who encourage and patronize these cruelties which have no educational value, and only serve to put money in the pockets of alien trainers.—I am, Sir, &e.,
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