Protestors picket Clissold Park ‘zoo’
Campaigners voice concern about the ethics and appropriateness of keeping animals in enclosures in an inner city park. Photo: Clissold Park Zoo Watch
Local group Clissold Park Zoo Watch picketed the park last month (Saturday 19 March) to demand that the deer and birds that live in the park be found homes elsewhere following the deaths of three deer in a six-month period.
Sarah Polden, a park user, was appalled at the lack of adequate protection for the animals during the current renovations to the park: “The fact that many of the animals were kept in the park during the whole period of the renovation works speaks volumes about the attitude of Hackney Council,” she said.
A spokesperson for Clissold Park Zoo Watch said: “No-one has accused park staff or the Council of not caring about the animals. It is their inability, particularly during the recent renovation works, to care for the animals properly that is a major cause of concern.
“Aside from the Council’s poor record in their duty of care to the Clissold Park animals in recent months there is a more fundamental issue regarding the ethics or appropriateness of keeping animals in enclosures in an inner city park,” the spokesperson added.
Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “On the advice of our veterinary consultant, Peter Green, the deer will stay in Clissold Park. Completing the new enclosure is our priority, and I’d like to reassure people that we are working with the contractor to have it finished as soon as possible. The new enclosure will give the deer the safe and secure environment recommended by Mr. Green.”
For information about the campaign email clissoldzoowatch@gmail.com
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The animals in Clissold Park should be moved because the council has said their safety cannot be guaranteed. The idea of cctv cameras has been rejected as being ineffective and too expensive. It is only a matter of time before there is another attack. This is not something new. The animals have been killed and mutilated many times over the years and there have been other campaigns to rehome them. I was horrified to learn that park staff saw the injured deer and did not even call a vet. The poor animal was just left to die. This certainly shows a lack of common care and compassion.