Stop Circus Suffering

Help circus animals left behind by broken promises

A ban on wild animal circuses was first promised over a decade ago. 94.5% of the public want to see the ban implemented, and 98% of MPs stood on a manifesto promise to do so – yet these outdated and unwanted acts are still legal in the UK.

A Private Members Bill from Conservative MP Kevin Foster aims to jolt the Government into action and provide long-suffering circus animals with the reprieve they desperately need. It will have its second reading on Friday 24 February – please see below to find out how you can support.

Given the constant travel and their temporary nature, circuses cannot provide animals with adequate facilities to keep them mentally or physically healthy. Welfare is always compromised.

ADI has repeatedly exposed the suffering animals in British circuses endure. In the last year alone we have revealed the miserable lives of the lions and tigers owned by Thomas Chipperfield and both wild and domestic animals at Peter Jolly’s Circus.

With 34 countries around the world having already restricted animal circus acts, Britain is sorely behind. When the bans passed in Bolivia and Peru, ADI helped enforce the law, rescuing and rehoming every animal.

The opportunity to bring in the ban was first missed during the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Then after ADI revealed the terrible abuse of Anne the elephant in 2011, backbench MPs unanimously demanded a ban. A commitment was made by government in 2012, with legislation drafted the following year. But the bill simply gathered dust. The Conservatives made an election promise to ban wild animals in circuses and now – it’s time for Theresa May to uphold that promise.

The animals have been waiting for too long – take action now!

  • Call your MP today and ask them to support the “Wild Animals in Circuses (Prohibition) Bill” which will have its Second Reading on Friday 24 February – get contact details for your MP here.
  • Contact Prime Minister Theresa May, urging her to uphold the government’s promise to ban wild animal acts.
  • Ask your MP to encourage Defra Minister George Eustice to introduce the government bill.
  • Avoid circuses that have animal acts, and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
  • Speak out when a circus comes to town – email ADI for leaflets and posters. We can also let local supporters know.
  • Spread public awareness by following us on Facebook and Twitter and sharing our action calls.
  • Donate towards ADI’s global campaign to Stop Circus Suffering.

Comments

  1. Patricia Stock · 17 February 2017 at 2:05a

    Please make this a priority and find a sanctuary for these animals.

  2. Zoe tootell · 17 February 2017 at 2:05a

    What world do we live in when we don’t look after our mammals? The fact these beautiful animals are captured and suffering at the hands of humans is a disgrace to our race. Do something!! Please !!

  3. ROBYN TATELMAN · 17 February 2017 at 2:05a

    THANK GOD.

  4. ELAINE AL MEQDAD · 17 February 2017 at 2:05a

    ALL ANIMALS NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM ANY TYPE OF CIRCUS AND/OR ZOOS!!!

  5. Carol Keith · 17 February 2017 at 2:05a

    Perhaps ALL political officials should spend some time in cramped cages,being fed when and where someone feels is appropriate,and then be forced to travel in even more cramped quarters to travel to places where freedom beckons but won’t be allowed.Add to that the fact that you will have to be subjected to grueling training for countless years by hot headed and unqualified humans who make their living off your back…then we’ll talk.

  6. A Burch · 17 February 2017 at 2:05a

    Stop abusing animals – NO TO CIRCUS !!!!!!

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