Don’t look. There will be no captivity raptors on the program this year during Medieval festivals of Montferrandscheduled for this weekend of June 7 and 8. After a strong mobilization in 2024 of The Association for the Defense of the Animal Cause Paris Animaux Zoopolis (PAZ)the volatiles are no longer on display.
“I think it’s a bit extremist”
“It’s exaggerated all that,” reacts Martine Rebyend, from the Association of Medieval. “We have presented raptors twice in thirty years. These are animals born in captivity, domesticated. We pay very attention to them. It’s nice to children. I find it a bit extremist. »»
In 2024, Paz had drawn the alarm signal: “For a few minutes of show, these wild animals are imprisoned for life. They undergo training, by definition violent and cruel since it is based on the rationing of their food, ”denounced Amandine Sanvisens, co -founder of the association. An online petition had then collected some 16,000 signatures. The controversy targeted in particular a show featuring erect raptors “transported on nearly 900 km round trip”.
“This is great news!” »»
This followed on May 29, 2024, a meeting between the town hall of Clermont-Ferrand and Paz. Jérôme Godard, assistant on the animal condition, had then announced the development of a municipal charter providing for the prohibition of the presence of wild animals in local events, including medieval festivals. “The next edition of the Medieval Montferrand will therefore be concerned and the presence of raptors prohibited in 2025,” he said.
A decision welcomed by animal defenders. “The medieval Montferrand turn the page on the exhibitions of erect raptors. This is excellent news! Clermont-Ferrand joins the cities committed like Rouen, Biot or Brie-Comte-Robert “Hads Amandine Sanvisens. For Paz, culture can be a strong lever to advance the animal cause.
Anyway, Montferrand’s festivities should, today and tomorrow, still welcome thousands of visitors as every year. The program remains rich: medieval ball, historic troops, acrobats, old crafts, small farm and children’s games. The Middle Ages will be celebrated with panache … but without wings.