England: Ban on Wild Animals in the Circus

The use of wild animals in travelling circuses will now be banned in England from 2020.

Animal welfare organisations in many countries around the world are currently campaigning vigorously against wild animals in circuses, and 40 countries worldwide have already responded by introducing bans.

Brutal Treatment of Circus Animals

The background: brutal treatment, starvation, and completely inadequate hygiene are often the daily reality for four-legged animals in the circus. Tricks are frequently trained through the use of force. On top of this, animals are forced to change performance venues an average of up to 50 times per year. Species-appropriate housing and feeding in particular pose a major problem. The animals live in cramped cages and inadequate enclosures or transport vehicles. Furthermore, veterinary care for the animals is nearly impossible to ensure, as there are not always vets specialising in wild animals at every location.

Currently, 19 wild animals are still being used in travelling circuses across England: 4 zebras, 1 zebu cattle, 3 camels, 1 fox, 3 raccoons, 6 reindeer, and 1 parrot.

Just last year, Scotland introduced a similar ban on wild animals in circuses, and more than half of local authorities in the United Kingdom had already refused to allow circuses with such animals to perform in their districts.

A ban came into force in Ireland in January, and the Italian government also passed similar legislation at the end of 2017.

Wild beim Wild welcomes the new decision by the British government and is pleasantly surprised.

But what is the situation in Switzerland?

Switzerland is said to be lagging behind the rest of Europe in this regard. The Animal Welfare Ordinance contains a special chapter on wild animals with an extensive appendix containing minimum requirements for keeping animals. This includes regulations on the type and size of enclosures. However, this does not apply to circuses — they have a special provision because their animals still perform in the ring.

The Swiss Animal Welfare Act protects not only the well-being of animals but also their dignity. It thereby establishes that animals are not simply available for human interests at will. In the sense of a balancing of interests, there must be compelling and weighty reasons to restrict animals in their needs. However, keeping and exhibiting wild animals in circuses serves solely the entertainment of the audience. This purpose in no way justifies the severe restrictions imposed on the animals. Powerful, wild animals who are forced day after day to put themselves on display under the spotlight of the ring, to perform tricks, and to submit to the will of humans, do not lead a life of dignity.

The current legal situation in Switzerland is arbitrary and without scientific justification.

The Situation in Germany

The legal framework for the housing and keeping of animals in circuses in Germany is also very poor. Non-binding guidelines exist that fall far below the minimum requirements of a zoo.

While wild animals in circuses are banned in more than 20 EU member states (including Austria and the Netherlands), a ban in Germany — at least for the time being — is not up for debate. Already in 2003, 2011, and 2016, the Bundesrat voted by a clear majority in favour of a ban on wild animals in circuses, particularly big cats, bears, and elephants. The majority of the German population has also been in favour of the ban for some time. A survey commissioned by the VIER PFOTEN foundation showed that a full 70 percent of respondents said they would be willing to forgo the circus show for the sake of the animals. Animal welfare advocates place the blame for the standstill on the CDU/CSU, and in particular on parliamentary group leader Volker Kauder.

A growing number of cities and municipalities are attempting to take action against circus animal performances, for example by no longer making municipal land available. While such local bans are difficult to enforce, they send a clear signal to the legislature, which should act and implement bans nationwide.

Yvonne Würz from PETA said: "Germany is one of the last countries in Europe where elephants, tigers and even giraffes are still allowed to be carted across the country on trucks and forced to perform tricks with a whip. The horror must finally be brought to an end for all animals."

First circus voluntarily gives up wild animals

The famous Circus Roncalli is now taking the demands of audiences and animal welfare advocates to heart for the first time. On 15 March, the 2018 tour kicks off in Recklinghausen — but without circus animals! This makes Roncalli the first German circus to respond to the call. A circus with animals is no longer in keeping with the times, said circus director Bernhard Paul at a press conference in May 2017. “Our circus has always moved with the times and, as a cultural institution, has always set decisive trends. Now it’s Roncalli’s turn again,” Paul continued. Of course, fun at the circus need not be sacrificed! Even without animals, the circus stays true to itself and aims to impress with typical Roncalli elements. Instead of real horses, there will now be lifelike holograms. Furthermore, the focus will be placed on the acrobats’ show. This also serves as an occasion for a name change. The company is to be called “Circus-Theater” in future. More on animal rights and hunting legislation.