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Printed: 18.04.2024.
PrintSaeima bans use of wild animals in circus shows in Latvia
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The majority of lawmakers decided not to support the
proposal of the national economy, rural, environment and regional policy
committee, allowing to feature animals born in captivity in circus
performances.
As reported, in 2015, the Latvian Food and Veterinary
Service proposed to ban using animals in circus after talks with animal rights
groups and a workgroup was formed to draw up the respective legislative
amendments.
Several other European countries have already banned using
animals in circus shows. Local circuses in Latvia do not keep their own
animals. All wild animals that are used in circus performances in Latvia are
brought to Latvia by traveling circus troupes from foreign countries.
The Latvian animal rights organization Dzivnieku Briviba
(Animal Freedom) submitted to the parliament a petition, titled For a Humane
Circus and signed by more than 26,000 people, in a bid to stop animals being
used in circus shows.
About 250 people have gathered by the Saeima building today
to protest against use of wild animals in circus shows, while some 40 activists
were gathered in support of animals in circus.