Peru has banned wild animal circuses, July 2011
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

From Animal Defenders International (ADI)
July 2011

[Ed. Note: Read more about circuses: Bolivia Bans All Circus Animals, July 2009, The End of an Era of Elephant Abuse: Saigon, Australia's Last Circus Elephant, Retired, Behind the Sequins and Smiles: Animals in Circuses.]

Last night, President Alan Garcia signed into law an end to the use of wild animals in circuses, following an investigation of circus animal suffering and a long campaign by Animal Defenders International (ADI) and local animal protection groups in the region.

With this ban, Peru is the second country in South America to take national steps to stop the suffering of animals in circuses, following the ban in Bolivia.

Other countries considering similar moves are the UK, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia.

ADI Chief Executive Jan Creamer said: “We are absolutely delighted and applaud this bold move by President Garcia and the Congress of Peru. With the ban in Bolivia and the current discussions in Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia, there is no doubt that South America is leading the world on this issue.

“Peru has looked at the evidence, the undercover investigations, the scientific reports and seen the suffering of the animals. The people of Peru have been adamant in their support of a ban, and both the Congress and President have listened.”

Representatives Alexander Rebaza (APRA) and Jose Urquizo (Gana Peru) introduced the bill and have championed it throughout the legislative process.

Congressman Urquizo invites parliamentarians from all countries to follow the example of Peru and ban wild animals in circuses, ending the suffering of animals.

Congressman Urquizo said: “that will make us a more modern and civilized society”. The ADI investigation exposed terrible suffering of animals in circuses, including lions whipped and beaten, monkeys, bears and other animals kept in deprived and appalling conditions.

Jan said: “ADI will continue to work with the Government of Peru in the preparation of regulations to implement the law.”

In February 2011, ADI completed an enforcement operation with the Bolivian authorities and removed every single animal from circuses in Bolivia. 29 lions were moved from Bolivia to the United States.

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