Elephants, tigers, giraffes or bears. From November on, wild animals will no longer be used in circus performances in Slovakia. This move comes as part of a wider international campaign. In Slovakia, it is also supported by a law from September 2018, which defines an animal as a living and feeling creature.
"The goal of our resort is to protect the most vulnerable group of animals whose exploitation in circuses teeters on the edge of violating their biological and physiological abilities and whose detention in such facilities and constant moving leads to them being exposed to stress, health issues and behavioral issues," said Daniel Hrežík, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture. According to Silvia Čaňová, coordinator of Freedom for Animals campaigns, the law speaks clearly that even the transport of circus animals is a very stressful event and should be eliminated. Usually, circuses are on the road for 10 months a year.
One of the largest Czech circuses is currently performing in Bratislava. However, according to its owner it learnt too late about the changes in legislation.
"I think we should have been given a time reserve, which would be at least till the end of the year and only then set a specific deadline. We understand it, though, and we know we cannot do anything about it. We accept it," said Antonín Aleš, owner of the Aleš circus. This circus uses tigers and elephants in their performances. Their last show is to take place on 31 October. The circus will need to change its programme as of 1 November. According to the owner, Antonín Aleš, the circus plans to continue with its performances in Slovakia in the future, with a changed programme - they will use livestock in performances instead.
It is the State Veterinary and Food Administration that carries out controls over health and the good living conditions of animals. If the ban is breached, a fine up to 20, 000 Euro will be imposed on the perpetrators.
