Brian Blessed, voice of Boss Nass in ‘Phantom Menace’ calls for action against circuses
As the political saga surrounding the promised ban on wild animals in circuses continues, legendary actor Brian Blessed has urged the government to “end this circus madness” and finally legislate to ban such acts.
Blessed is known for voicing the villain Clayton in Disney’s Tarzan and providing the voice behind Boss Nass, the Gungan leader, in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
“I am deeply opposed to the use of wild animals in circuses and have been working with Animal Defenders International (ADI) to oppose such acts for many years. Despite repeated promises from the Government, we are still waiting for the law to pass and the animals are continuing to suffer. Please end this circus madness,” Blessed said.
Brian Blessed is among a string of high profile supporters of ADI’s campaign to ‘Stop Circus Suffering’ in Britain which includes Ricky Gervais, Sir Roger Moore, Brian May, Moby, Imelda Staunton, Eddie Izzard, Twiggy, Annette Crosbie, Sir Paul McCartney and Dame Judi Dench.
In 2011, Blessed made a similar plea following ADI’s shocking exposé revealing the terrible abuse inflicted on Anne, Britain’s last circus elephant. The actor joined the organisation and a delegation of MPs to present a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a ban. At the time Blessed stated, “now is the time for the government to legislate and put a stop, once and for all, to the draconian and humiliating spectacle of wild animals in circuses.”
Animal Defenders International
With offices in London, Los Angeles and Bogota, ADI campaigns across the globe on animals in entertainment, providing technical advice to governments, securing progressive animal protection legislation, drafting regulations and rescuing animals in distress. ADI has a worldwide reputation for providing video and photographic evidence exposing the behind-the-scenes suffering in industry and supporting this evidence with scientific research on captive wildlife and transport. ADI rescues animals all over the world, and educates the public on animals and environmental issues. www.ad-international.
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