Photo credit, PETA Kids

The Performing Animals Protection Act, 24 of 1935 (the “Performing Animals Act”) regulates the use of animals in exhibitions in Namibia. In addition, the Animals Protection Act, 71 of 1962 (the “Animals Protection Act”) provides for the standards of care of animals and standards of conduct that constitute animal abuse.

 

Most animal welfare groups oppose wild animals in circuses, the SPCA is no exception. Circuses inhibit wild animals from expressing natural behaviour. Circuses that utilize live wild animals in their performances have been under strong criticism for years internationally, and more and more circuses are removing/retiring animals from their programs.

 

Namibia is known for its vast landscapes, wildlife, and conservation, and it is a source of pride for many. The SPCA believes that wild animals should remain wild and that they should not be kept in captivity for the financial gain, amusement, and benefit of people. Regardless of whether the animals have been taken from the wild or bred in captivity, neither serve an educational purpose or initiative in conservation efforts. There is nothing educational about seeing wild animals perform unnatural behaviors and tricks in captivity. Furthermore, exotic animals bred in these venues are not done so with the aim of rehabilitating and returning the animals to the wild, but rather to continue to benefit their operations.

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It is the position of the SPCA that the welfare of the animals must come first and foremost. A circus environment fails to provide the basic requirements for animals to live a life free from undue and unnatural stress and removes the freedom from the animals to express their natural behaviors. Wild animals in circuses and traveling shows, inevitably suffer physical, social, and psychological deprivations by performing unnatural tricks, being confined, and being on the road for extended times of the year.

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