Document type: Written answer from the European Union
Authors: Question: Annika Bruna (ID), Julie Lechanteux (ID), France Jamet (ID), Georg Mayer (ID). Answer: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question: In the light of the many cases of mistreatment that have been reported, along with the conditions in captivity, which prevent animals from fulfilling their natural needs, many Member States have outright banned travelling circuses from keeping wild animals.
Other countries are imposing partial bans, depending on the type of animal and whether or not they were caught in the wild, or in line with standards in their local communities.
Lastly, some states, such as France, have provided for a transitional period for the implementation of a ban, but do not currently have shelters or sanctuaries in which to house captive animals.
If there are still none at the end of the transition period, states may end up - for want of a solution - having to allow travelling circuses to keep captive animals.
Given that many Member States would like to gradually ban the keeping of wild animals in travelling circuses, does the Commission plan to help them to provide shelters or sanctuaries tailored to the animals' needs?
Answer: Taking into account that the banning of wild animals from circus matters has not been subject to EU harmonisation thereby currently falling under the responsibility of Member States, the Commission counts on the Member States to provide shelters or sanctuaries for the animals that cannot be used any more in circuses due to a possible national ban.
