Are Circuses Illegal?

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Wild Animals in Circuses

  • No federal law in the US
  • Local bans in dozens of places
  • Hope to retire all circus elephants, tigers, and bears
  • Concerns about health and safety of circus animals

International Circus Regulations

  • Ban on wild animal circuses in several countries
  • Animals allowed in circuses in different regions
  • Concerns about animal welfare and cruelty

Current Circus Scene

  • The decline in wild animal circuses

  • Ban proposal for wild animals in circuses

  • Concerns about animal exploitation and cruelty

  • There is no such federal law in the United States. But dozens of local bans, as well as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s recent decision to fold its tent, have some lawmakers hoping the American political terrain might now be fertile enough to send all circus elephants, tigers and bears to retirement. Wild-animal circuses are a show that must not go on. Physical threats to the health and safety of circus animals are particularly troubling when considering that many animals in circuses are members of endangered species. Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest. Except for a small population of the Indian lion subspecies that remains in captivity, the Asian lion is today found in the Gir Forest.

  • Circus is a special entertainment for children and adults. Only elephants, sea lions and zebras are currently legal to use in Danish circuses. Organizing animal fights and hounding beasts is illegal in Russia. Laws order pets to be kept properly and ban contact zoos at malls or hosting animals at bars. Travelling circus life harms animal welfare as captive animals cannot socialise, get enough exercise or exhibit natural behaviours. Many develop problems due to captive life.

  • The modern circus was born in England when Philip Astley brought circus arts together. The salaries of Circus Ringmasters in the US range from $36,480 to $52,802. Their use of domestic animals, including horses and cats, is concerning as animals are made to perform un-natural tasks.

  • In 2019, California banned the use of all animals, except dogs, cats and horses in circuses. Currently, no US law governs use of animals in filmed media.

  • Wild animals in circuses endure cruel training and constant confinement. Over time, this causes health problems related to stress and anxiety. Many countries have banned animal circuses. The US has over 150 local bans, but no federal law. However, the closing of Ringling Brothers circus and public concern over animal welfare have lawmakers hoping to ban circus animals nationwide.

  • Current laws allow only domesticated horses, dogs and cats. But even their training involves intimidation. Unnatural acts negatively impact animals’ mental health.

  • The Ringling Brothers circus shut down after protests revealed animal abuse. Attendance dropped unsustainably. Most shows now use only horses and dogs. A few hire contractors with wild animals. But their treatment raises concerns.

  • A proposed federal bill bans wild animals in circuses and traveling shows. Over 45 cities worldwide have similar bans. With public support over 90%, the bill is expected to pass. This will ensure animals don’t suffer exploitation and cruelty.

  • Madrid, Spain banned wild animal circuses to prevent cruelty. Singapore Zoo was my first zoo visit – I’ll never go again. No country bans zoos, but public opinion is shifting.

  • Do any circuses still exist?

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