NSW Government Fails Wild Animals in Circuses – and the Public
As a New South Wales government inquiry into exotic animals in circuses releases its report, failing to recommend a ban on breeding and forcing wild animals to perform, PETA has released the results of a survey on the issue with one clear message: Australia wants a ban on these cruel acts.
PETA’s 2020 survey, conducted by YouGov, found that 75% of Australians want to see a ban on circuses using exotic animals. The survey found that 85% of Australians between the ages of 18 and 34 support such a ban. Interestingly, a majority of people with children under the age of 18 at home (80%) say that they support a ban, demonstrating that few families consider watching lions and monkeys being abused a form of family entertainment.
A circus environment could never meet the fundamental physiological and psychological needs of exotic animals. They’re kept in cages and pens for their entire lives, including during transport, and are unable to engage in natural behaviour. Lions in their natural habitat can roam vast areas, claiming territory and seeking out mates, but they can’t do this while being confined to wagons or trucks for days at a time during a circus tour. Macaque monkeys, who are our close relatives and prefer to live in large mixed groups, are kept inside metal cages with limited opportunities to socialise. There are simply no improvements to their housing or transport that could overcome these problems, which are inherent in a circus environment.
Forcing animals such as lions, monkeys, and camels to perform absurd tricks is an archaic practice, which is why more than 40 countries – including Austria, England, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scotland – have banned the use of exotic animals in circuses. Australia must stop lagging behind.
The show must not go on!
The overwhelming majority of people in Australia understand that animals don’t belong in the circus. Because of concerns about the mistreatment of animals and public safety, a number of communities have already banned or restricted the use of exotic animals in circuses, including the Australian Capital Territory and many local councils.
Please sign our action alert asking your MP to support a ban on wild-animal acts in circuses.
By allowing circuses to continue to exploit and torment wild animals, the New South Wales government has failed not only animals but also the state’s human residents.
The overwhelming majority of people in Australia understand that animals don’t belong in the circus. Because of concerns about the mistreatment of animals and public safety, a number of communities have already banned or restricted the use of exotic animals in circuses, including the Australian Capital Territory and many local councils.
We’re urging the government to listen to its constituents and free exotic animals from spending their lives imprisoned and unable to engage in their natural behaviour.
Please sign our action alert asking your MP to support a ban on wild-animal acts in circuses.
Animals Are Suffering in Laboratories – Help Save Them Now
