The use of vertebrate animals in circus shows or similar performances will be prohibited.

Practice now banned in 22 European countries
 
The Romanian government has banned the use of wild animals in circuses after 56 years, bringing the country into line with 21 other European countries where the practice is prohibited.

A draft law was initiated in 2015 by environmental activist Remus Cernea and the charity FOUR PAWS. It was relaunched this year after 11 animals died in a fire that burned down Globus Circus in Bucharest.

After being initially rejected by the Romanian Senate, the bill passed through all specialised committees in the Chamber of Deputies and it was voted in plenary last week, WWF Romania said.

The use of vertebrate animals in circus shows or similar performances will be prohibited, with the exception of dogs, horses, dolphins and some birds. Animals that are under the responsibility of public or private institutions will be relocated to reserves, sanctuaries or zoos no later than 18 months after the law comes into force.

FOUR PAWS has renewed its calls for similar legislation in the UK. While the Scottish government recently announced plans for a ban, it remains unclear when or if such legislation will be introduced in England, despite assurances from former Prime Minister David Cameron, and numerous attempts to prohibit wild animals in circuses.

Brian da Cal, country director for FOUR PAWS UK, said: “The number of countries now implementing bans has continued to grow at a significant rate and demonstrates a widespread recognition of this fact, but sadly Governments in the UK have not done enough to end the practice here.

“At the moment we are being left behind by other countries which are taking a more progressive approach to this issue.”

© FOUR PAWS | Mihai Vasile