A leg scan is to be carried out on an African elephant belonging to Circus Sydney, currently at Booterstown, Co Dublin, following a number of complaints to the Dublin SPCA.
The elephant, known as Max, has a deformed foot, which it is feared may have become infected. His condition was brought to the attention of the DSPCA last week. Two inspectors were dispatched to examine the elephant and that evening they concluded that the elephant suffered from a congenital defect, which did not cause it any pain.
Following further complaints from the public, it was announced yesterday that the animal would undergo a further scan at the University College Hospital, UCD, in Dublin "to allay any remaining fears that the public might have".
The DSPCA condemns the use of animals in circuses. "It's just not necessary in this day and age," said chief inspector, Conor Dowling.
"We would ask people not to go to circuses that use animals."