Ban the use of animals in all UK circuses

From as far back as the 18th century animals have been performing in circuses all over the world. With the more recent growth of animal welfare organisations, many circuses are now turning to human only methods of entertaining the crowds.

Unfortunately, some circuses continue to use animals in their acts and this entails to travelling up and down the UK with the animals in cages on the back of lorries and keeping them chained in small cages when they finally reach their destination. Little is provided to the animals as enrichment and subsequently many animals develop disturbing behaviours to deal with their stress and boredom. Behaviours can include endless pacing and swaying from side to side - all in the name of entertaining us humans.

Animal circuses such as Bobby Roberts, the Great British Circus, Circus Mondao, Circus Tyanna, Gifford's Circus, Jolly's Circus and Zippo's Circus have all toured the UK this year. So far the UK Government and Scottish Parliament haven't put a total ban on performing animals and we need to let them know this is out of order.

If you believe it is satisfactory for an arthritic elephant in her late 50's to be dragged around the UK and forced to pose for pictures at £5 a time then don't sign this petition.

If you believe it is humane to leave wild animals chained up for 11hours a day then don't sign this petition.

If you believe it is fair to jab elephants in the face with a metal hook to coerce them to perfrom then don't sign this petition.

If you are happy that it is legal for a circus to hit an elephant with an iron bar then don't sign this petition.

If you believe it is acceptable for innocent animals to be whipped, spiked and beaten then don't sign this petition.

If, however, you believe these cruel, heinous actions against innocent creatures has to stop then PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION.

There are currently around 200 animals travelling with circuses within the UK. We only need 500 signatures for the Government to pay any attention. Having said that they have received many petitions before and no action has been taken so if you would also like to email your local MP please email info@captiveanimals.org and they will supply you with a pre-written email that you just need to forward on. They can also help you to find your local MP's email address. (UK based)

Please act fast, Anne the elephant along with the horses, camels, ponies, donkeys, zebra's, big cats, dogs, geese and birds of UK circuses are relying on us to end their lives of torture and torment and release them to a safe, happy life in a sanctuary. It may be too late for a lot of the animals who have already died in UK Circuses but a ban would prevent many more animals being taken from their natural habitats and subjected to a life of hell. YOU can make a difference, please sign this petition and help to put an end to this needless suffering.