3 out of 4 Swedes want to ban wild animals in circuses

According to a poll presented by Djurens Rätt, the largest animal rights organization in Sweden, 76 percent of the Swedish population believe that wild animals in circuses should be banned. That is an increase of eight percentage points in just one year.

Already in the spring of 2015 when Djurens Rätt (Animal Rights Sweden), together with the news site Newsner, launched a major circus campaign a majority of Swedes, 68 percent, was against the keeping of wild animals, such as elephants and sea lions, in circuses. One year later, public opinion has risen by eight percentage points. Three out of four Swedes, or 76 percent, believe that wild animals in circuses should be banned. Only 14 percent think that wild animals in circuses should be allowed. (Djurens Rätt/ Novus 2016)

- Public opinion speaks for itself and clearly shows that the attitude towards public display of animals as entertainment has changed. It is time for the government to finally ban wild animals in circuses in the new animal protection law that is to be presented this autumn, says Camilla Björkbom, President of Djurens Rätt.

The resistance to the keeping of wild animals in circuses is strong amongst supporters of all the parliamentary parties and in all age groups.

-The circus environment is unsuitable for all animals but especially for wild animals. The constant transports from one place to another cause stress and the tricks the animals are forced to perform are often unnatural to them and may cause injuries. The Swedish Veterinary Association has established that the specific needs of elephants and sea lions cannot be met in the circus environment, says Camilla Björkbom.

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Earlier this year Djurens Rätt submitted a petition to the Swedish government with more than 155 000 signatures calling for a ban. Today, on the 4th of July, Djurens Rätt and Djurskyddet Sverige (Animal Welfare Sweden) organized a seminar on the new Animal Welfare Act and wild animals in circuses. Hopes are high, but time will tell, if an amendment will be proposed in the new Animal Welfare Act in Sweden this fall that finally bans wild animals in circuses