Tiger in circus

One million signatures supporting the end of the use of circus animals

FOUR PAWS backs petition to end this cruel practice 

13.10.2021

Brussels, 13 October 2021 – Today a petition of one million (1,000,000) signatories calling for an EU ban on the use of wild animals in circus performances has been given to the European Commission. The handover is part of the campaign joint “Stop Circus Suffering” campaign which FOUR PAWS launched at the beginning of the year together with the Eurogroup for Animals.

Regular animal welfare problems and growing concerns about the ethics of using wild animals for public entertainment have led to increasing calls from the public to end this practice. In Europe, this is reflected in the national legislation of 23 Member States, as well as the UK’s England, Wales and Scotland, who have adopted restrictions on the use of either all, or exclusively wild, animals in circuses

FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organisation, said that only a “full ban” coordinated across the European Union could stop this “cruel trade”, and “guarantee a coherent and effective solution to the physical and emotional suffering of wild animals in circuses.”

“If we do not have coordinated and coherent legislation then this dangerous practice will continue, this is not only about the welfare of the animals when performing but their habitation and transportation. It not only endangers the animals, but the public as well.”

“The one million signatories highlights the overwhelming support of the public to stop this cruel outdated practice.”

FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organisation

Elephants in a circus

Stop the suffering in EU circuses!


FOUR PAWS together with Eurogroup for Animals is calling for an EU ban on the use of wild animals in circuses

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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org

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