Animal circuses are still touring the UK - Here's how you can help

Despite bans on wild animals in circuses, some UK circuses are still using animals in performances.

Many people assume that animal circuses are a thing of the past. Thanks to legislation in England, Wales and Scotland, wild animals such as elephants, lions and tigers can no longer be used in circus acts.

However, some travelling circuses continue to use animals including horses, ponies, donkeys, rabbits, pigeons and cats as part of their performances.

At Freedom for Animals, we believe that no animal should be exploited for entertainment.

Our 2024 investigative report, ‘Lives Left Behind’, revealed that animals currently used in circuses face many of the same welfare concerns that led to the ban on wild animals, including frequent transportation, temporary accommodation and lives spent performing for audiences.

This summer, several animal circuses are continuing to tour across the UK. And here’s how you can take action against them!

Find animal circuses near you

This summer, you can take action for animals used in this cruel industry by:

• Reporting an animal circus to Freedom for Animals

• Signing our petition to end animal circuses

• Finding circus locations near you

• Organising or joining local peaceful protests

• Ordering free protest materials

We've listed the dates and locations of the animal circuses we know are touring this year, so you can find your nearest visiting circus and campaign against them.

Every report, signature and local action helps build pressure for a future where no animal is forced to perform in a circus.

Together, we can end the use of animals in circuses once and for all.