These 27 Countries Have Banned Wild-Animal Circuses!
In summer 2019, we celebrated as England became the latest country to pass a ban on wild-animal circuses. From 19 January 2020, circus operators across England will no longer be able to exploit wild animals in the name of human entertainment.
Wild-animal circuses are a show that must not go on. And all over the world, governments are making sure it doesn’t.
Here’s the list of countries that have implemented or passed bans on circuses that use wild animals, according to StopCircusSuffering.com:
- Austria
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- El Salvador
- England
- Estonia
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Ireland
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Malta
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Romania
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
Wild Animals Don’t Belong in Circuses
Forcing wild animals to perform confusing tricks under threat of violent punishment is a barbaric practice that has no place in a compassionate society.
Animals in circuses have been either bred in captivity or taken from their homes and enslaved – solely for the purpose of entertainment. They’re condemned to a sad and frustrating existence, carted from one venue to another in cramped cages and barren trailers and trained to perform tricks to avoid being beaten or otherwise abused.
In their natural habitat, elephants walk long distances, swim, explore, play, and enjoy complex social relationships. But in circuses, they’re chained inside tents or confined alone to concrete enclosures, denied everything that’s natural and important to them.
Most big cats roam across large territories in the wild, so when they’re held in captivity, they frequently exhibit stereotypic behaviour, such as pacing, out of frustration.
As the British Veterinary Association has said, “The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within the environment of a travelling circus, especially in terms of accommodation and the ability to express normal behaviour.” In other words, animals forced to perform will always suffer – the only humane option is to keep them out of circuses altogether.
What You Can Do for Animals in Captivity
Never, ever attend a wild-animal circus or any other exhibit that exploits animals for entertainment. Instead, opt for animal-friendly family activities:
Please also speak out for marine animals held in captivity by urging TUI to stop selling tickets to SeaWorld:
