Portugal: Ban on Wild Animals in the Circus
Portugal's parliament has passed a new law banning the exploitation of wild animals in circuses by 2024, a move celebrated by animal welfare groups.
Portugal's parliament has passed a new law banning the exploitation of wild animals in circuses by 2024, a move celebrated by animal welfare groups.
Around 1’000 lions, tigers, elephants, camels and zebras are among the animals covered by the new law, which prohibits approximately 40 species.
Wild animals have no place in the circus
“Wild animals have no place in the circus. People should be able to enjoy themselves without causing animal suffering,” said Bianca Santos, Vice President of the local animal rights group AZP.
The law was passed with the support of both left-wing and right-wing legislators, bringing Portugal into line with a dozen other countries, including half of Europe, that have banned wild animals in circuses.
Transition period until 2024
“Parliament has finally recognised that larger cages, stricter rules and more inspections are not the solution to these animals’ problems,” said legislator Andre Silva of the PAN party.
By 2024, circus owners must register their wild animals in a government-created register so that they can potentially be placed in sanctuaries in Portugal or abroad. More on animal rights.
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