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How to organise a circus protest
Probably the first you will know of a circus on its way to your
region will be brightly coloured posters. Circuses tend not to advertise
very far in advance, so it really is a matter of looking out for
posters or adverts in your local press. You will need to find out
what animals are to be used, the venue - whether the circus will
be on private or public land - and the date and time of performances.
Try to find out as much about the circus as you can,
as this may lend a particular edge to the protest. For example,
an elephant called Maureen, from the Bobby Roberts circus, seriously
injured Bobby Roberts and went on a four hour walkabout in Liverpool
back in 1990. According to Moira Roberts (Bobby's wife) Maureen
was then sent to an American Zoo. However, we have never been able
to locate her whereabouts. We used this as the theme for our protest
and used the slogan 'Hey Bobby, where's Maureen?' on banners and
placards etc. This was an important focal point for the press and
media.
Try to obtain some of the give-away tickets, and
attend the first performance. This way the circus can't say that
you don't know what you're talking about, and you can tell the press
what you have seen. The protest is then planned for the second performance.
One week beforehand send out press releases to
all local press, TV and radio. Press releases must contain details
of the protest date, place and time - remember to assemble at least
45 minutes before the performance. Try to hire animal costumes,
and make banners and placards to attract attention. I always contact
the local police to inform them of my intention to hold the protest.
Their presence helps diffuse potential problems.
Leafleting outside circuses has become increasingly dangerous.
Elderly protesters have been abused and intimidated. A young woman
protester was shot in the back with an air gun, allegedly by a circus
worker. And a 16 year old was punched in the face. We have files
of such incidents. So always take care.
On the day prior to the protest, contact the press
- make sure that photographers have been booked - and contact the
police again. Using the press and media well can get your message
across to a far greater number of people.
On the day itself, you will have to liaise with the press
and police and organise the protest. My most successful
protest attracted over 50 protesters and gained coverage on Central
TV news, local radio and press.
If you need help and advice then contact
CAPS. We can supply leaflets - if you give us enough
notice! If you regularly leaflet outside circuses, don't leave it
until the last moment. Order your leaflets now!
The CAPS campaign strategy is working and we need
your help to continue to be effective. Only by exposing suffering
can we help the animals. Please
contact us with questions and information.
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