Document type: to Question No. 12538 published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on the website of theNational Assembly on March 17, 2026
Authors: : Mr. Vincent Ledoux Nord (10th District) – Together for the Republic. Answer: Ministry of Ecological Transition
Question: Mr Vincent Ledoux asks the Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations about the operational preparations for the 2028 deadline set by the Law of November 30, 2021, regarding the phased ban on the keeping of wild animals in traveling circuses. As this deadline approaches, many accounts from on-the-ground stakeholders involved in the transition agree in reporting significant delays in establishing suitable sanctuaries, a lack of clarity regarding the capacity actually available in the medium term, and insufficient coordination between government agencies, sanctuaries, and the professionals involved. These difficulties are currently stranding people who have chosen to comply with the law in a health, economic, and humanitarian dead end, which paradoxically risks having negative effects on animal welfare, even as the law aims to provide enhanced protection. The question is all the more well-founded given that, well before the adoption of the 2021 law, the Member of Parliament, in his capacity as mayor, had decided to ban the presence of circuses that kept wild animals within his municipal area of authority, since he already considered that ethical requirements must necessarily be accompanied by concrete, realistic, and operational solutions for the stakeholders involved. In this context, he asks the Minister how many sanctuaries have actually been created to date that are fully operational and able to accommodate the animals in question, as well as what additional capacity will be available by 2028; and what measures the Government intends to take to strengthen coordination between the State, sanctuaries, and professionals. He also asks, if applicable, what adjustments are being considered to ensure a gradual, responsible, and humane implementation of the law, in line with its primary objective of animal protection.
Answer: The government is fully aware of the challenges involved in the care of captive wild animals in circuses. The implementation date of 2028 is fast approaching, and the government is actively working, in consultation with stakeholders, to find appropriate solutions. To support the implementation of Law No. 2021-1539 of November 30, 2021, to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between animals and humans—which, among other things, prohibits the public display of non-domestic animal species from December 1, 2028— the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature launched two Calls for Expressions of Interest (AMI) for the creation of facilities to accommodate non-domestic animal species in 2022 and 2023. As part of these Animal Sanctuary AMIs, the Ministry has supported nine projects. Three projects have been fully completed to date (Zoo di Corsica, Parc Phoenix, and Terres de Nataé), and others are currently underway. Efforts must continue to create new accommodation, and the ministry continues to support the development of sanctuary projects. The launch of a third Animal Sanctuary AMI call for proposals is scheduled for the current year to strengthen available accommodation capacity by 2028. To ensure animal welfare while animals are awaiting placements and facilitate the successful completion of the transition by circus animals affected by Law No. 2021-1539 of November 30, 2021, the Government has also developed a support plan for circus performers, implemented by Decree No. 2025-396 of April 30, 2025, regarding financial support for traveling establishments displaying non-domestic animals to the public. This plan provides, in particular, for financial support to assist circus performers in their transition to new careers, as well as funding for the care of animals while they await a place in a sanctuary. This one-stop shop, open since December 15, 2025, is operated by the French Agency for Services and Payments (ASP).
