Breaking! Ireland Becomes 42nd Country To Ban Wild Animals In Circuses!

Irish Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed signed a new law today that will ban the use of wild animals in circuses beginning January of 2018.

“The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted. This is the general view of the public at large and a position I am happy to endorse,” said the Minister. “This is a progressive move, reflective of our commitment to animal welfare. I am of course allowing a modest lead in period to allow for alternative arrangements to be made for the animals in question.”

The Minister also welcomed the fact that over recent years, local authorities addressed the societal concern on this issue by not authorizing public lands for the use of circuses where wild animals would be involved.

The Minister acknowledged that Circus owners and operators may have their regrets about this decision and that he appreciated their concern and care for the animals that have been part of their lives.

The Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations of 2017 are made under the Animal Health & Welfare Act of 2013 in Ireland.

The Animal Health & Welfare Act of 2013 was a major piece of legislation that updated and replaced around forty pieces of primary legislation in the area of animal welfare and health, going back over one hundred years in Ireland.

The Act also included the principles of the ‘Five Freedoms’ for animals, Freedom from hunger and thirst, Freedom from discomfort, Freedom from pain, injury and disease, Freedom to exhibit natural behavior, and Freedom from fear and distress.

Thank you Ireland for becoming the 42nd country to choose a compassionate future for all animals and banning the use of wild animals for entertainment in circuses.