Circuses escape most laws that deal with the holding and exhibition of animals. On the pretext that these establishments are mobile, animals’ well-being becomes an optional extra. As for the regulations around them, most circuses just ignore them. One Voice denounces this situation, which is not just unacceptable but is also dangerous for animals and humans alike. The association is seeking a change in legislation and a ban on the use of animals in circuses.
Roaming and captivity
While One Voice feels that wild animals should only be in the wild, it is deplorable to see that the conditions in which they are held in circuses are even worse than those of zoos, which already are far from sufficient themselves. In fact, there is relatively strict regulations for zoos that forces them to respect a certain number of standards to guarantee a minimum level of well-being for captive animals. Two decrees from 1978 – which have been under review since 2001! – regulate the conditions under which non domestic animals are held. There is a minimum size of enclosure for each species, facilities and various measures intended to enable animals to suffer as little as possible from captivity. But in circuses these measures are not applicable because of the mobile nature of their structures. So, lions, monkeys and other potentially dangerous animals and constantly locked up in small trainers, often plunged into darkness, with no water or food when they actually need several dozen square metres’ space. Elephants are chained up, left alone in such a way that they want to die. No zoo would be allowed to remain open under these conditions. But these mobile menageries escape the law. Amazingly, the law is adapted to enable them to continue their activities. The fact that they are mobile alone enables them to justify their lack of comfort – let alone the lack of any respect – they show to animals. Whether they are wild or domestic, tiger or cat, an animal is not a puppet in a tent…
Aptitude certificate
Of course, there are regulations for this activity… but most circuses just ignore them. Because they are mobile they can run away when they like and it is easy to change name. To hold a wild animal, for example, a candidate must hold an aptitude certificate. This document, which is really just an administrative formality, proves that the person is skilled in the species concerned and is able to look after them. But most circuses do not have these certificates or they belong to someone who is not there. Seizing an animal is a difficult and costly business, involving not just serious logistics but also somewhere to keep the animal afterwards. And unfortunately an animal who is seized is easily replaced later.
Illegal menageries
Current laws stipulate that only animals that are actually paraded in the ring can be kept in circuses. Yet to attract the public circuses exhibit many animals in their menageries that do not take part in the shows. They do this completely illegally. This breach of the law concerns hundreds of animals in France which, if the law were respected, would be seized and taken from mobile establishments.
Anything goes ?
To set up in a commune, circuses must first obtain authorisation from the mayor. But some circuses pitch their tents during the night, so that when morning comes it’s too late to chase them off. Circuses travel the length and breadth of France and seem little concerned with legislation. As their activity depends on the département, they just need to move on when they are taken to court by the prefecture concerned. One Voice is working closely with the authorities to see this scandalous situation end. While this legislation is clearly insufficient, it must be strictly applied. The safety of people and animals depends on it.
The fact that they are mobile alone enables them to justify their lack of comfort – let alone the lack of any respect – they show to animals.
