Circus animal ban up and running
Valencia becomes sixth region in Spain to introduce legislation
THE VALENCIA regional government’s ban on circuses and fairs using animals has come into force.
From now on any local authority which flaunts the prohibition will face a hefty fine according to Compromís party deputy Cristina Rodríguez.
Sra Rodríguez introduced the motion to the regional parliament that led to the ban.
She noted that this was passed several months ago but has not come into force until now to allow any events which had prior permission to take place.
Sra Rodríguez explained that they had hoped to include the initiative in a future animal protection law but time was running out with regional elections looming in May.
As a result it was tagged on to the budget bill for 2019.
Coordinator for InfoCircos, Marta Merchán said her association has been asking regional governments around the country to legislate on the matter as they are responsible for animal welfare.
Sra Merchán noted that there are very few circuses left in Spain which use animals.
She explained that in the regions where a ban is already in place – Cataluña, the Balearics, Galicia, Murcia, La Rioja and now Valencia – these circuses operate without animals, but include them in their shows in the remaining areas of Spain.
Sra Merchán said some circuses have stopped owning animals and hire them along with a trainer for certain seasons of the year.
Her association offers to take circus animals to the AAP Primadomus centre in Villena, where they can be looked after in the facilities owned by this international NGO.