According to the Minister Ivari Padar, wild animals do not belong to the circus. “We will start with changing the animal protection act so that the use of wild animals such as big cats, elephants and apes would be illegal in travelling circuses. The final decision is in the hands of the Parliament, but to my opinion, the use of such animals in travelling circuses should be left in the past,” Padar told.

Last week, the Minister had a meeting with the representatives of animal advocacy organisation about the welfare of animals in circuses and fur farms.

The ministry is currently preparing the amendments to the animal act in cooperation with scientists with an aim to clarify the concrete species of animals, to whom the ban would apply.

The regulations for breeding foxes in fur farms are also changed in order to improve the shelter possibilities.

A link to the Estonian language article: http://majandus24.postimees.ee/2892371/padar-metsloomade-kasutamine-randtsirkuses-tuleks-keelustada