Use of all animals in circuses may be banned in India

To stop cruelty against animals in circuses across India, government is planning to announce new rules that will "prohibit use of animals for any performances or exhibition at any circus or mobile entertainment facility."

Currently, use of big cats like tigers and lions is already banned in India, but now government is planning to even ban animals like horses, hippos, elephants, or even dogs in circus.

According to a ToI report, the ban is proposed in the recently released draft rules called the Performing Animals (Registration) Amendment Rules, 2018. The actual ban will come in force after 30 days during which the ministry of environment will receive suggestions from stakeholders. It will apply to the use of all such animals which are currently being used in circuses or exhibitions .


"No animals shall be used for any performances or exhibition at any circus or mobile entertainment facility,” said the draft rules.

Animal rights activists have been demanding a ban for a very long time and the release of draft rules are part of this process. The proposed ban is likely to eliminate the maltreatment of animals who are forced to live in confined spaces and perform acts that are painful. It is also likely to provide relief for animals who go through the ordeal of training that is often coercive.

According to the report, draft rules clearly defines “circus” by adding a new clause, saying it “means a large public entertainment, typically presented in one or more large tents or in an outdoor or indoor arena, featuring exhibitions of pageantry, feats of skill , performing animals, etc”.