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SUMMARY:The Performing Animals Controversy in Early Twentieth-Century Brit
 ain: Interdisciplinary Perspectives - David Wilson\, University of Leicest
 er
DTSTART:20110214T163000Z
DTEND:20110214T180000Z
UID:TALK29172@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Anthony Podberscek
DESCRIPTION:I will examine how the performing animals controversy grew up 
 after the First World War. Using it as a case study for aspects of British
  life in the early 1920s\, it is possible to investigate the behaviour of 
 pressure groups\, the press\, politicians and trade associations. The adve
 rtising material promoting animal acts is also a visual source of interest
  in its own right\, and alongside this material there began to appear the 
 posters and leaflets of protesters. Adding emotion to the public debate on
  this issue were the comments of eminent literary figures such as Thomas H
 ardy and George Bernard Shaw. Meanwhile\, to counter criticism\, shortcomi
 ngs in the treatment of performing animals were often attributed to the 
 ‘alien enemy’\, Germany having been the main pre-war source of trained
  animal acts. To what extent was this simple prejudice?\n\nThe controversy
  itself occasioned extensive parliamentary select committee investigations
  and reports in 1921 and 1922\, leading to new legislation in 1925. After 
 1925 the controversy declined but did not disappear. It helped to affect t
 he nature of public entertainment in Britain\, as the music hall\, variety
  theatre and circus faced increasing competition from new attractions such
  as the wireless and cinema. Witnesses called before the committee reveale
 d much of conditions in the entertainments industry of the time. The inqui
 ry into performing animals also gave emphasis to lasting areas of concern 
 about the accommodation and transport of animals. \n\n\n\n     \n
LOCATION:Centre for Animal Welfare & Anthrozoology Seminar Room\, Veterina
 ry Medicine\, Department of
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