Document type: Answer to question E-000716/23 given by the European Commission
Authors: question: Anja Hazekamp (The Left). Answer: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question: Questions concerning a European ban on the use of wild animals in circuses in the light of serious new findings
The use of wild animals in circuses is already banned in 23 Member States because of animal welfare and public safety issues. In 2021, one million citizens called for a European ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
New research shows that 89% of 73 animals saved from European circuses between 2015 and 2021 suffer from mental problems, such as behavioural problems and self-injury, or have physical problems because, for example, they were brutally declawed. The animals rescued had been performing in circuses in France, Spain and Germany, among other countries, for at least a year.
- Is the Commission shocked by the conclusions of the research?
- Does the Commission still believe that it has no power and responsibility to put an end to the use of wild animals in circuses in the EU?
- Given the serious findings from the research and the lack of support from Member States and society, is the Commission prepared to enter into talks with the four Member States that have not yet banned the use of wild animals in circuses, namely Germany, France, Italy and Spain?
Answer:
1. The Commission condemns any form of cruelty towards animals in line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) where in its Article 13 animals are recognised as sentient beings.
- 2. and 3. Article 13 of the TFEU does not provide a legal basis permitting to address all animal welfare issues. The Commission can only act within the limits of the competences conferred to it by the Treaties. The welfare of wild animals kept and used in circuses remains within the sole competence of the Member States.
