Ban the use of animals in circuses

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The idea

  The circus is no place for animals
 

Circus animals are subjected to a routine of frequent and extended transport for many months of the year, with regular loading and unloading, training and performance, and housing in small, restricted enclosures. These factors are likely to be stressful to the animals and have significant negative impacts on their welfare. Such conditions would not be allowed even in zoos.

Numerous public polls indicate that around 80% of those members of the UK public questioned thought that the use of wild animals in circuses was not acceptable (2005 MORI poll (Animal Defenders International),  2006 ICM Omnibus poll (Born Free Foundation), 2010 Public Consultation (DEFRA).

Several countries, including Austria, Croatia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Israel and Singapore, have banned the use of wild animals in circuses.  Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, India and Sweden have banned the use of certain wild animals in circuses. Since 1925, animals in circuses were legislated under the Performing Animals Act, which was predominantly concerned with licensing and public health issues. The Animal Welfare Act in England and Wales, and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, were an opportunity for the welfare of circus animals to be readdressed.

Why is it important?

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated"  Mahatma Gandhi

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