Wild Animals in Circuses: The Inadequacy of Current Legislative Welfare Protection and the Need for Implementing a Total Ban

Abstract

This critical analysis presents a case for current inadequacy of legislation protecting the welfare of wild animals used in travelling circuses in England. The Licensing Scheme, that is currently in effect, can never guarantee the welfare of wild animals used by circuses, given both the nature of the circus as a stressful environment, and the natures of the wild animals that, in such conditions, are limited in carrying out typical social habits and motivated behaviours. Only the implementation of the Wild Animals in Circuses Bill and the total ban that it entails can guarantee adequate welfare protection for wild animals. Scotland is currently in the process of implementing its own draft bill banning the use of wild animals in travelling circuses – just one of their many political actions in the interests of animal welfare. While in England a legislative Bill banning the use of animals has been drafted and should be ready for implementation, its coming into effect has been postponed until there is sufficient time in the Parliamentary agenda. The author remains sceptical as to how soon, or if at all, the ban will come about in the foreseeable future.