Wild animals including zebras, camels and reindeer are being exploited as circus animals right here in the UK. These incredible animals should have freedom of choice, and not be dragged around the country, trapped in cramped shelters and paraded in front of large crowds for profit. This cruel practice has already been banned in Scotland, and Wales is following suit - now I’m urgently calling for England and Northern Ireland to do the same immediately to stop their suffering.  

I’m Bella, a 15 year old animal rights advocate and I started this petition because I was appalled when I found out wild animals are being exploited in circuses in my own country.

Footage filmed at one circus showed a worker spitting in the face of a camel, highlighting disregard for these sentient beings. Their everyday lives involve being regularly transported, being forced to train, and being exposed to loud crowds. This is a heartbreaking and inhumane  way to treat animals.

There are seven species of wild animals being used and exploited in two circuses in the UK. Every single day that goes by without a ban is another day of suffering for these eighteen animals.

The UK Government has said it’s looking to ban wild animals in circuses in England by 2020, but we are yet to see enough real action to suggest that this will happen as the Bill is repeatedly getting stuck in parliament.

Please sign my petition to tell governments across the UK to implement a ban on wild animals in circuses now.