Russian animal rights activists have called for a complete ban on live animal shows
During a circus performance, Russian trainer Sergei Prichinich narrowly escaped death when a 500-pound brown bear named Donut suddenly attacked him. The horrified audience of parents and children watched in terror as the bear, who was riding a hoverboard as part of his act, violently attacked Mr. Prichinich, pinning him to the ground for about half a minute. The New York Postreported.
Meanwhile, he desperately tried to defend himself, holding a bar between the bear’s jaws and his body. Just as the situation seemed hopeless, a worker outside the cage stepped in, punched the bear, and distracted it long enough for Prichinich to free himself. The bear backed away, allowing Prichinich to narrowly escape the terrifying ordeal.
Nikita Mikhailov, director of Circus Moretti, confirmed that the show resumed without further incident after the horrific episode.
“Towards the end of the act, the bear bit Sergei and fought with him. Their act continued,” he said. He noted that the tamer “waited for the bear to calm down, got up, continued the routine with her, sealed it with a kiss, and that was it.”
He also praised Mr. Prichinich for his quick thinking and professionalism in handling the situation. “He is an animal, and he can behave differently, he can not like something, but he can express his emotions in this way. Every trainer understands this,” Mikhailov added.
While everyone was relieved that the trainer escaped unharmed, Russian animal rights activist Yuri Koretskikh renewed his calls for a complete ban on live animal shows, citing the inherent risks and dangers of such shows for both humans and animals.
“While the world’s modern circus art is rapidly evolving towards humanity, by banning the use of animals in circuses, the Russian circus lobby is actively resisting progress, defending its commercial interests,” Mr. Koretskikh said.
Animal rights are a major concern in Russia, prompting President Vladimir Putin to sign a bill in 2018 that would ban animal cruelty. While the legislation does not address animal performances, activists continue to focus on the issue. Last year, the Russian Duma proposed a bill to ban the use of animals in circuses nationwide. The bill is expected to be introduced in the lower house in October.
ndtv
