Animal Welfare Act - Help animals leave the circus

back to current campaigns
 
 
The RSPCA is opposed to the use of animals in circuses.

As part of the Animal Welfare Act, new regulations on the use of animals in circuses will hopefully be considered later this year.

The government in England has committed to introduce a ban on the use of certain non-domesticated (wild) species in travelling circuses.

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

There are just 35 wild animals left in circuses in the UK. These are:
  • one elephant, called Anne
  • five zebras
  • five lions
  • six snakes
  • seven tigers
  • eight camels
  • one kangaroo
  • two crocodiles.

The RSPCA is calling for a ban on the use of all the animals listed above, but also for the ban to be extended to include other species, such as polar bears, yak and alligators, which are currently used in circuses in other parts of Europe.

The RSPCA believes the circus is no place for an animal. The life for an animal in a circus consists of frequent travel, restricted movements, poor living conditions and loud noises.

Find out the facts about animals in circuses.


Take action - how you can help
Here are some actions you can take to help us end the use of wild animals in circuses.

  • Email your MP (if you live in England) or AM (if you live in Wales).


  • Learn how you can help ban wild animals in circuses in Wales.




  • photo © A Goodwin/ RSPCA Photolibrary

    Back to top
    © RSPCA 2008. All rights reserved.
    Terms of use
      Help animals leave the circus
    There are just 35 wild animals left in circuses in the UK - help get them out.
    more
      Give animals a voice
    Sign up to add your voice to our animal welfare campaigns.
    more
     
    SEARCH
    ABOUT THE RSPCA
    ADVICE CENTRE
    NEWS
    CAMPAIGNS
    GOOD BUSINESS AWARDS
    ANIMAL CARE
    REHOMING
    HOW YOU CAN HELP
    EDUCATION
    SCIENCE GROUP
    FREEDOM FOOD
    LOCAL RSPCA
    RSPCA INTERNATIONAL
    PUBLICATIONS
    CAREERS
    UNDER 8TEENZ
    Special initiatives
    My RSPCA
    Help
    Legal
    Privacy
    Annual review
    Contact us
    RSS
    The RSPCA is a charity
    registered in England & Wales
    no. 219099