All-time high for campaign against wild animals in circuses

The campaign has attracted great attention in social media and a recent poll from Djurens Rätt/Demoskop shows that 7 out of 10 Swedes do not think keeping wild animals like elephants and sea lions in circuses should be allowed.

- The number of visitors at our website reached an all-time high when the campaign was launched and we have never received this many signatures in such a short time, which really shows that this is an issue that concerns many people, says Peter Nilsson, campaign coordinator at Djurens Rätt.

- This is a subject that we are really passionate about. It is in fact inconceivable that there is no ban against wild animals in circuses in Sweden in 2015. We now hope that we together with Djurens Rätt can involve as many people as possible and show the government and parliament that it is time to act, says Stefan Persson at Newsner.

The circus environment is unsuitable for most animals, but it is particularly problematic for wildlife. Elephants and other wild animals are still used by the circuses in Sweden. Many other countries have already ruled the circus environment unacceptable, and have consequently banned wild animals in circuses. Two significant authorities in Sweden have come to the same conclusion, The Swedish Veterinary Association and the Expert Group that in 2011 drafted the proposal for a new animal protection law. This proposal recommends a ban on elephants and sea lions because these animals' natural behavior needs cannot be met.

- Animals do not belong in a circus environment, especially not wildlife. The circuses’ operation is based on that they are constantly on the move, and that the animals perform tricks for the audience. Both of these factors can cause problems for the animals in terms of stress, injuries and deprivation of their natural behavior. It's time to ban wild animals in our circuses says Camilla Björkbom, President of Djurens Rätt.

The petition can be found at www.djurensratt.se/intepacirkus/namninsamling