Circus animals, workers endure drama of their own
From: The Times of India
Karsten Miranda,TNN
Mar 5, 2014
MARGAO: The arrest of the owner of a circus in Margao in connection with alleged rape and human trafficking has left the animals and artistes under the big top to fend for themselves, sources said.
The circus, which had pitched its tent here recently, is plunged into gloom, as the four elephants, horses, birds, a camel and other animals are starving. "They are not being fed and looked after properly due to the lack of resources," a worker said.
The situation is also equally bleak for 25-odd workers at the circus camp site, as they will be soon deprived of basic requirements of food, water and electricity.
"We don't have money to feed the animals," added another circus worker.
The police rescued 18 victims, including minor boys and girls, and arrested five accused after the raid.
The circus was poised to halt next at Kudal in Maharashtra, but now the police have shut it down.
The eight-odd families present at the circus site are in dire straits and the arrested persons include the manager and cashier.
"Each family may have around 1,000 to 2,000 and rations for a few days. We do not know how to cope with the situation and are waiting word from the manager," a circus worker said.
Some of them have been part of the circus family for more than a decade or two. "I don't have any other skills," a worker lamented.
The seizure of all papers, cash receipts, approvals, documents related to animals has left them without any documentation as well.
Some animals, especially the elephant, need huge quantities of grass, feed and water.
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