Circuses, zoos, aquariums, dog fighting, hunting, fishing, horse racing, bullfighting, all keep animals in captivity and use them against their will for human entertainment.  A strategic area for FIAPO is to end the use of animals for sacrifice, entertainment, and work. With a narrowed focus in mind, FIAPO launched #EndCircusSuffering (ECS) a national campaign to stop the suffering, of all animals in circuses.

As per the law, circuses performing with animals in India are required to be registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) under the Performing Animal Registration Rules, 2001, as well as with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, if performing with exotic animals. However, most circuses in the country, either do not possess the above paperwork or operate in blatant violation of the conditions of registration. Thus, FIAPO works with partner organisations to end the use of animals in captivity by lobbying the Government and local authorities, raising awareness, generating public opinion and initiating direct action.

Till date, the campaign has rescued 167 animals from 13 circuses across India and has mobilised 114 activists, from 45 organisations across 18 states. The findings of our investigations of individual circuses have been published as a report, which can be downloaded here.

ECS has gathered support from lawmakers, advocates and members of the entertainment industry as well. Most recently, the actor Raveena Tandon has written to the government to amend legislation to exclude animals from circuses. She is joined by another actor Dia Mirza, Members of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Vinod Chavda, BC Khanduri, KC Ramamurthy, Butta Renuka and advocate Prashant Bhushan. Read their letter here.

With more than 4 years of continuous efforts and work with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, we are happy to announce that the ministry has published draft rules that, if finalised, would ban all animal circuses in India. A moment of happiness, and celebration for the animal protection community, and for organisations and individuals working for their freedom! We have a long road ahead, and this milestone will serve as a motivation for us to continue our efforts toward animal liberation in the country.

Join Us

Join the network of over 150 NGOs and activists across the country in asking MoEFCC to #EndCircusSuffering: Sign the Petition

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