Exotic animals in circuses

Read the paper Exotic animals in circuses

The Exhibited Animals Protection Amendment (Prohibitions on Exhibition) Bill 2018 is a Private Members Bill introduced into the Legislative Council by Mark Pearson MLC, of the Animal Justice Party. The Bill seeks to amend the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986 to prohibit the use of exotic animals, such as lions and elephants, in circuses.

This e-brief discusses the main features of the 1986 Act and the existing regulatory framework, and Standards for Exhibiting Circus Animals in NSW established under that legislation. Examines the main features of the Bill, presents data on offences relating to exhibited animals in NSW, and sets out arguments for and against prohibiting the use of exotic animals in circuses. Also provides an overview of the types of circuses performing in NSW and their contribution to the State’s live performance industry.

Tom Gotsis
Parliamentary Research Service
e-brief 2, 2018

Published: 25 October 2018