Victory! Scotland Bans Use of Wild Animals in Circuses

The issue of using wild animals in circuses has become an ever-growing global concern as more people are becoming aware of the extreme animal cruelty and dangerous risks for both animals and humans in these shows. Many countries and cities have subsequently banned the use of wild animals in circuses, and now Scotland has joined the progressive movement!

The legislation was passed by Scottish Parliament on December 20, 2017. The bill was proposed by Scotland’s environment secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, who stated, “This is an important act that will not only prevent traveling circuses ever showing wild animals in Scotland in the future, but will demonstrate to the wider world that we are one of the growing number of countries that no longer condones the use of wild animals in this way.”

She went on to explain that the ban was deliberately written in general terms in order to provide a broader protection for animals. However, critics of the ban say it is not quite broad enough and does not include protections for animals in non-traveling circuses or other types of entertainment like dog racing or animal shows.

This applaudable decision happened after increasing public pressure. Jan Creamer, the president of Animal Defenders International, had this to say about the ban: “The public called for a ban, and the Scottish government and parliament listened, banishing traveling circuses with wild animals forever.”

Italy, India, Iran, Norway, the Netherlands, Romania, Ireland, and U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Santa Fe, New York City, and Portland, Maine have all banned the use of wild animals in circuses, proving that the movement has been gaining momentum across continents and cultures.

Although there have been major strides in this realm, there are still many tourist attractions like zoos and marine parks that use animals to bring in a profit. As we have seen with Scotland banning the use of wild animals in traveling circuses, public opinion can ignite serious change, so one of the greatest things you can do to help stop animals used for entertainment is by never supporting or visiting businesses that exploit animals for profit.

And remember to share this good news with your network as a reminder that animals are not ours for entertainment!

Image Source: Animals Asia/Flickr