Animal circuses to be banned in Spain’s capital city

TRAVELLING circuses featuring wild animals looks set to be outlawed in Madrid.

The city council today approved the amendment to the regulatory ordinance of Tenure and Protection of Animals 2001, acknowledging the circus facilities do not meet the ‘physiological, mental and social condition needs of animals’ or respect animal welfare.

The decision is based on a recommendation by the European Veterinary Federation (FVE), adopted in June 2016, which warns the needs of animals ‘cannot be met in a travelling circus, especially with regard to accommodation and the possibility of expressing natural behaviours’.

It adds that the use of ‘wild animals is unjustified’ and has ‘little of no educational, conservationist or economic value’ while at the same time ‘violating’ the universal declaration of animal rights in 1987.

This states that every wild animal has the right to live free in its own natural environment.

Prior to approving the amendment, the city council carried out an online public consultation and met with representatives from several animal protection associations.

The move must now be ratified by the Plenary in March or April.

The use of wild animals in circuses is already prohibited in the provinces of Valencia, Murcia, Galicia, Catalonia, Cueta, La Rioja and the Balearic Islands.

The majority of Madrid municipalities have also outlawed the practice.