Animal category: Wild animals

Answer to a question on whether a positive list of wild animal species allowed as pets is to be established and, if so, whether monkeys will be excluded from the list due to their special characteristics.

The report reviews the scientific literature aimed at evaluating the welfare of circus animals using the five-domain method and highlights violations in each of the five areas. It proposes that these results should be taken into account in developing strategies to improve the quality of life of wild animals working in circuses.

Scientific article reporting the results of an international online survey on types of ferret housing and environmental enrichment, including respondents' opinions on their suitability and safety.

Answer to a question on the possible funds that the Commission plans to grant to Member States to set up shelters or sanctuaries adapted to the needs of wild animals from travelling circuses at the point when the planned total bans come into force in these countries.

Scientific review of the impact of enrichment research on zoo and aquarium practices. It reveals that zoo and aquarium professionals are paying heed to species-specific welfare needs by ensuring that enrichment protocols are supported by biological evidence. It goes on to highlight areas and species that need further research.

Scientific review reporting on animal welfare violations in the conservation environment and treatment of protected bird species, due to, among other things, lack of knowledge of the ethology of such species when in captivity, and the stress caused by the use of new technologies in their study. It calls for research to improve the living and study conditions of these birds.

Scientific review of the literature on the strengths and weaknesses of modern zoos in terms of wild-animal welfare.

Scientific review describing the history of the emergence of reward-based husbandry training practices and environmental enrichment engineering in zoos. It suggests ways to continue to improve welfare in zoos using behavioural analysis.

Scientific review of the value of real-time automated monitoring systems in assessing the welfare of zoo animals as a complement to direct observations by specialists. The field is still very new, and is limited to behavioural measurements taken from large mammals.

Press release summarising the conclusions of the report by the Senate Economic Affairs Committee on the bill approved by the Assemblée Nationale to combat animal abuse. Changing the text of the legislation as drafted, it preserves the possibility of selling animals in pet shops, allows dolphinariums to continue their activity and establishes a list of animals authorised to participate in travelling circuses.