We don't believe animals should be subjected to the conditions of circus life.  Regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance, loud noises and crowds of people are all typical and often unavoidable realities for the animals.

Scientific research has shown that travelling circus life is likely to have a very harmful effect on animal welfare for many species. This is why we think circuses should not use animals, especially wild species.

Do circuses still use animals? 

Unfortunately, animals are still used in British circuses. An estimated 150-200 animals are currently held, and an estimated 37 of these are wild animals. These include zebras, lions, snakes, tigers, camels, a kangaroo and crocodiles.

At the moment, there’s no law to stop circuses using certain types of animals. Circus animals are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, but the need for greater protection has been recognised by the UK government.

Will circuses be banned from using animals?

The previous government in England promised to ban the use of certain non-domesticated (wild) species in travelling circuses [1], while a recent government consultation showed 94% of respondents agree with the RSPCA and want a total ban [2].

In Wales, the power to ban wild animals in circuses lies with the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).

What are we doing?

We’re campaigning against the use of wild animals in circuses and lobbying the UK government to ban their use in England, as other countries have already done.

What you can do

The government needs to know that many people feel the same way as us. You have already made your support for a ban clear by writing to your MPs, the Secretary of State, signing petitions and responding to the consultation. Now we urgently need your help in urging the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron MP, to do the right thing.  Visit our Big Stop campaign to find out more.

If your local authority has allowed animal circuses on council-owned land, you can write a letter expressing your concern to your local councillor. 

[1]  Ben Bradshaw, MP, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made a statement to this effect in the House of Commons on 8 March 2006.

[2]  Initial summary of responses to the Defra public consultation exercise on the use of wild animals in circuses. March 2010. Defra.