Circus subsidies questioned in Spain

ANIMAL-LOVING MPs have urged the Spanish government to ban circuses with animals.

Similar bans have already been introduced in Austria, Finland and Sweden, said the Parliamentary Animal Defence Association (APDDA).

The association also wants to know if the government intends to guarantee the wellbeing of circus animals on tour in this country.

It also asked the government to explain why it believes it acceptable to continue subsidising circuses with animals. 

In the past circuses receiving Culture ministry subsidies had to ensure that animals were well-treated, had access to veterinary care and were transported according to regulations introduced in 2005.

But the conditions for circus subsidies announced in January made no mention of the need to ensure their wellbeing and protection.

The omission followed on from information obtained from INFOZOOS, a group of associations which safeguard zoo animals.  Regulations ensuring their wellbeing do not apply to circuses, they were informed by the European Commission.

Without legislation to protect circus animals, there is no possible way of ensuring that circus managements will guarantee the animals’ wellbeing, maintained APDDA coordinator, Chesus Yuste.

This was good enough reason to halt the subsidies, he said.