“The public will be more comfortable with going to the circus.”
From January 2018, the use of wild animals in circuses will be officially banned in Ireland. Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed signed new regulations on Thursday and said he was “happy to endorse the general view of the public at large.”
The minister also went on to state that the new regulations would secure the future of circuses here in Ireland as more people will feel comfortable and safe going from now on.
Creed said that “this is a progressive move, reflective of our commitment to animal welfare.
“I am of course allowing a modest lead in period to allow for alternative arrangements to be made for the animals in question.”
He believes that although owners and operators of circuses throughout the country may be up in arms regarding the move, he said that the travelling circus was no longer fit to provide for the needs of animals such as camels and tigers and said that the welfare of the animal needed to come first.
“While the retirement of the small numbers of wild animals in Irish circuses might seem like a loss I am confident that this move will do more to secure the future of the circus community.”
“Coming in line with modern welfare standards will mean that greater numbers of the public will be more comfortable with going to the circus,” Creed concluded.
The Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017 are made under the Animal and Welfare Act 2013.
The Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 has five core principles for animals which include; Freedom from hunger and thirst; Freedom from discomfort; Freedom from pain, injury and disease; Freedom to exhibit natural behavior; Freedom from fear and distress.
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