Circus Krone Challenges Performing Animal Ban in Austria

Image via Wikipedia

This is the European Circus Association's press release proving the ongoing legal battle in Austria regarding the banning of animals in circuses. This case is cited by the British Conservative Party as the reason why they cannot impose a ban in the UK and it is likely to be illegal. Opponents of animals circuses have tried to dismiss this very real and serious case...

Circus Krone Challenges Performing Animal Ban in Austria  Brussels, Belgium 15 June 2011 - The European Circus Association (ECA) today announced the filing of a legal action against Austria to challenge its ban on animals in the circus. ECA President Urs Pilz said. “The right to present well-cared for animals under good welfare conditions in the classical circus in Europe must be established once and for all.”

Austria instituted a ban on non-domesticated animals in the circus in January 2005. The European Commission determined that the Austrian ban violated Article 49 of the European Treaty and opened legal proceedings against Austria. However, the Commission dropped the case under pressure from animal rights activists. In June 2009, the European Ombudsman concluded his investigation, finding that the Commission had “abdicated its role as Guardian of the Treaty.” He recommended that the Commission reinstate the action or provide a legally valid reason for not doing so.
Mr. Pilz emphasized the ongoing popularity of performing circus animals across Europe. Data from the Irish Arts Council shows that more Irish visited circuses in 2006 than opera, contemporary dance, and ballet combined. Independent market research determined that 6.4 million Germans visited a circus in either 2006 or 2007. A random sampling of the German public in 2008 found that 86% of the persons surveyed believe that animals are an essential part of the circus.
The ECA strongly supports appropriate and strictly enforced regulations for circus animals. It also supports the creation of a European framework law on animal welfare accompanied by science-based indicators to promote harmonized regulation of all animals under human care.

# # #

For further information, please contact:
Arie Oudenes, ECA Director, Tel. +31 33 455 35 69 a.oudenes@europeancircus.info
Dirk Kuik, ECA Press, Tel. +49.172.424.1843 ecapress@europeancircus.info
For further information, see www.europeancircus.info

Source for article.