A ban on circus acts featuring predators (with the exception of dogs, cats and ferrets), primates, elephants, hippos, rhinos, dolphins and giraffes came into force in Slovakia as of Friday. "We're grateful for the hundreds of protests, thousands of distributed leaflets and 54,057 signatures on a petition," said activist Silvia Canova of the animal-welfare organisation 'Sloboda zvierat' (Animal Freedom). She called the ban "our joint success". Veterinary inspectors will check to see that the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry's regulation is duly observed. If anyone violates the ban, they could face a fine up to €20,000.
Mojmir Prochazka, Photo: TASR
