Call on the VIC Govt to Free Saigon!

Hundreds of thousands of people across Australia have been moved by the tragic story of Saigon, who at 55 years old is still trucked across Victoria in tow with the Perry Bros Circus. Animals Australia believed in good faith that Perry Bros had responded to community concerns by retiring Saigon to their country property, only to discover that this was not their intention at all. Saigon's only hope for a peaceful retirement now lies with our lawmakers.

New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have all prohibited the keeping of single elephants in circuses based on national standards recommended by the National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare, which states 'Elephants are intelligent, inquisitive and social creatures ... Elephants kept in circuses must be supplied with mental stimulation, avenues of play and social contact with other elephants'. Sadly for Saigon, Victoria has yet to enshrine this recommended standard in law.

Saigon deserves the same protection from abuse in Victoria that she would receive in neighbouring states. Please call on the Victorian Government to act on Saigon's behalf to ensure that she is retired from public life and to join other states in passing legislation that prohibits the keeping of elephants in inappropriate environments at circuses.

Take Action!

Subject: (please enter a subject line) Dear Minister Walsh, (please edit the letter below, or send as-is) As the Minister responsible for animal welfare I am writing to implore you to urgently act on behalf of Saigon - a 55 year old elephant currently in the custody of Perry Bros Circus. Perry Bros Circus is now refusing to retire Saigon, despite her being too old to perform, and despite her having to endure oppressed living conditions whilst on the road that deny her the ability to express important natural behaviours such as exercising and playing. Elephants are complex and highly intelligent animals. As you are aware, the Victorian code already recognises that keeping an elephant alone - and in a small enclosure void of environmental enrichment and exercise - is unacceptable. Despite this Perry Bros continue to keep Saigon with the circus in contravention of this code. Minister, it is clear that with Perry Bros refusing to retire Saigon that the circus cannot be relied upon to act in the best interest of the elephant. Only your government is in a position to ensure the outcome that this 55-year-old elephant desperately deserves - which is retirement from public life. New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland all have introduced regulations that prohibit the keeping of solitary elephants in circuses. Similarly, your government has the power to attach conditions to licence permits related to the keeping of exotic animals that would ensure Saigon's retirement. Your government acting to ensuring Saigon's future wellbeing and to legislate to ensure no other elephant will be subjected to such unacceptable treatment will be broadly applauded by Victorians, and caring people throughout Australia. I implore you to act on Saigon's behalf. After over 50 years performing in a circus for Australians we now owe this elephant peace and security in her remaining years. Sincerely, Your Name

We will send this e-mail to:

• Peter Walsh, Vic Minister for Agriculture

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