In a landmark decision, Italy has become the 14th country to ban the use of circus animals. The law currently varies around the world. Find out more here!

The exploitation of circus animals

Today, almost one hundred circuses exploit approximately 2000 animals per year in Italy. These types of shows will now be banned on Italian soil following a vote by the Chamber of Deputies (Italian parliament), putting an end to the use of animals in circuses.

Those animals currently working in circuses will be protected by rules governing their ‘retirement’, a move supported by animal rights activists

Italy, the 14th country to ban the use of animals in circuses

This move makes Italy the 14th country to impose a national ban the use of animals in circuses. The country is following in the steps of Holland, Romania, Iran and India.

In the UK, the law varies from country to country. In 2012, the Westminster government reportedly agreed to disallow the use wild animals in travelling circuses. However, this has yet to come into effect. Circus animals must be protected by the animal wealfare act.

In wales there is no law prohibiting the use of certain types of animals, while Scotland is in talks to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

France, has taken another standpoint, allowing only the use of wild animals featured on a certain list. This list includes; female elephants, wild cats and sea lions amongst others.

The fight between organisations protecting animal welfare and circuses doesn’t appear to be over yet.

What do you think of animals in circuses?

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