Wild animals belong in the wild. End the use of wild animals in circuses.
(Please also sign the personal pledge : NO TO WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES at http://www.nspca.co.za/#%2FNews%2F212%2FWild-Animals-in-Circuses)

Wild animals used in circuses and other travelling acts are routinely subjected to months on the road confined in small, barren cages or in chains. These animals then demonstrate stereotypic and abnormal behaviour patterns indicative of prolonged stress and suffering. It is the stress through the process of confinement and transportation that makes up the bulk of the animals’ suffering.

The NSPCA is opposed to any degree of confinement or the use of any animal in sport, entertainment or exhibition likely to cause distress or suffering or which may adversely affect the animal’s welfare. The NSPCA is totally opposed to exhibitions or presentations of wildlife in circuses and travelling menageries. Because cruelty to animals is inherent to such displays, we seek to end such uses of wild animals. We work to achieve this by increasing public awareness and strengthening legislation that protects captive wild and exotic animals.

Animals in circuses do not benefit any educational, conservational or scientific cause.

There are circuses around the world which boast a variety of talented acts that pay tribute to the capabilities of man and his extraordinary ability to stretch the limits. The best part about this entertainment is that there are no wild animals that are forced to live life continually on the move, in unnatural surroundings and denied the opportunity to express natural behaviour. The NSPCA applauds these circuses for their progressiveness and for leaving wild animals in the wild where they belong. We don't believe wild animals should be subjected to the conditions of circus life. Regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance, loud noises and crowds of people are all typical and often unavoidable realities for the animals. Performing inappropriate tricks in the name of entertainment also does nothing to foster respect for animals.

Together, we have the power to bring about change. We will be sending a powerful message to Government that South Africans abhor cruelty and that the use of wild animals in circuses must finally be outlawed in this country.

Please sign the petition. We thank you for being a Warrior for Animals.

PS: Also sign the campaign letter to get cruel sow crates banned at http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/sa-pork-industry-national-department-of-agriculture-retailers-stop-the-use-of-sow-crates-which-perpetuate-cruelty