Victory: MSPs Bring Scotland One Step Closer to Wild-Animal Circus Ban
A bill to abolish wild-animal circuses passed the first stage of voting in the Scottish Parliament today, bringing the country one step closer to ending this cruel form of entertainment. PETA supporters sent over 8,000 e-mails to MSPs this week urging them to support the bill, and today’s progress – which was backed by all three major political parties – shows that our voices have been heard.
Captivity is a living hell for animals such as lions and tigers, who endure a lifetime of frustration and misery and are denied the chance to act on their most basic instincts. A circus environment can never meet their complex needs as they’re carted around the country in barren trailers and cages and forced to perform confusing tricks.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove MP, has indicated his intention to outlaw wild-animal circuses in England, and a public consultation on similar measures is currently being held by the Welsh Government. With Scotland poised to become the first country in the UK to introduce a ban, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland need to act quickly to avoid falling further behind.
What You Can Do
Following a committee review, the bill will be subject to another vote in the coming months. If you live in Scotland, you can join our Action Team to ensure you’re kept up to date on the bill’s progress. If you live elsewhere in the UK or in Ireland, please see our Action Page for information on supporting a ban on wild-animal circuses in your area.
