Circuses

ENDCAP is opposed to the use of wild animals in circuses and through gathering and sharing information, scientific documentation and visual evidence, ENDCAP seeks to raise greater awareness about the plight of wild animals in circuses in Europe. Working together with Member States, ENDCAP seeks to help achieve national bans and promote the cultural significance of circuses without 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. Worse still, circuses in many part of Europe may travel huge distances, crossing international borders and even across seas, subjecting their animals to protracted periods of very close confinement and restraint.

Sadly, circuses with wild animals remain numerous and relatively high-profile in many European countries and further afield. For example, there are believed to be around 90 elephants in circuses in Germany, and approximately 400 big cats in French circuses alone. The following is a list of wild animal species in use in European circuses:

The numbers of circuses with wild animals in Europe are unknown, the number of wild animals currently in these circuses can only be estimated in the thousands.

However if COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1739/2005 which requires circuses crossing country borders to register their animals with competent authorities, was properly enforced this would indicate the numbers of wild animals transported across Europe for circus performance.

Despite the lack of legislation protecting the wellbeing of wild animals in circuses in Europe, there is an increasing list of countries, in Europe and elsewhere, with legislation specific to the use of animals in circuses.

Ban on the use of all wild animals in circuses: Austria, Bolivia (domestic animals too), Costa Rica, Croatia, Israel and Singapore.

Ban on the use of certain wild animals in circuses: Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, India and Sweden.

Ban on the use of wild-caught animals in circuses: Belgium, Estonia, Hungary and Poland.

Greece, Malta, Estonia, Cyprus, Romania and the UK are all considering regulating circuses but, to what degree is not yet known.

In Singapore, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority specifically stated in 2000 that the ban resulted from compromised animal welfare resulting from inadequate housing and abuse, public safety issues and increasing public concern for animals.

While it appears governments worldwide are beginning to recognise the need for animal welfare legislation and that the needs of wild animals cannot be met in circuses, some within the circus industry seem intent on promoting the use of animals as a cultural tradition. This was included in a Motion for a Resolution on ‘New Challenges for the circus as part of European culture’, adopted on 13th October 2005 (report by MEP Doris Pack).

ENDCAP Members are working in European Member States to raise greater awareness about the plight of wild animals (in particular) in circuses, challenge the circus industry and advocate tighter regulation. ENDCAP continues its campaign to call on the European Commission to ensure greater protection for wild animals in captivity, including wild animals in circuses.