European Circus Association Challenges Performing Animal Bans

Brussels, Belgium – The European Circus Association (ECA) today announced the filing of legal actions against Austria and the City of Luxembourg to challenge their bans on animals in the circus. ECA President Urs Pilz made the announcement at the European Parliament where the ECA and its partners delivered a report to MEP Doris Pack, Chairwoman of the Committee on Culture and Education, on next steps for the Parliament’s 2005 circus resolution which noted the desirability of further recognition of the classical circus, including the presentation of animals, as part of European culture.

“We have waited nearly five years for the European Commission to take up its responsibilities and challenge the Austrian ban,” Mr. Pilz said. “The right to present well-cared for animals under good welfare conditions in the classical circus in Europe must be established once and for all. Equal treatment for the circus community and enforcement of law also means that bans established by local authorities such as the City of Luxembourg must be invalidated.”

Austria instituted a ban on non-domesticated animals in the circus in January 2005. The European Commission determined that the Austrian ban violated Article 49 of the European Treaty and opened legal proceedings against Austria. However, the Commission dropped the case under pressure from animal rights activists. In June 2009, the European Ombudsman concluded his investigation, finding that the Commission had “abdicated its role as Guardian of the Treaty.” He recommended that the Commission reinstate the action or provide a legally valid reason for not doing so.

Mr. Pilz emphasized the ongoing popularity of performing circus animals across Europe. Data from the Irish Arts Council shows that more Irish visited circuses in 2006 than opera, contemporary dance, and ballet combined. Independent market research determined that 6.4 million Germans visited a circus in either 2006 or 2007. A random sampling of the German public in 2008 found that 86% of the persons surveyed believe that animals are an essential part of the circus.

The ECA reaffirmed its strong commitment to animal welfare. It also announced a new Pledge programme under which ECA members would report on their achievements to the public and its intention to identify one European circus each year for excellence and innovation in animal care.

Circus, Schools, and Fair Coalition seeks “Next Steps” from the European Parliament

Brussels, Belgium – Urs Pilz, President of the European Circus Association, leading a delegation of representatives from circus, fairs, professional circus schools and the traveling communities, today announced the publication of a comprehensive report on the implementation of the European Parliament’s 2005 Resolution on Circuses. The report was presented to European Parliamentarian Doris Pack, who championed the 2005 Resolution and was recently elected chairwoman of the Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education. The report summarizes progress made on the Parliament’s requests to the European Commission and Member States concerning recognition of circus as culture, mobility of artists and workers, harmonization of technical standards, the education of traveling children and vocational education, which are critical to circuses, fairs and related educational professionals.

“The subjects addressed in the 2005 Resolution are a matter of survival to the thousands of workers and their families who depend on circuses, festivals, funfairs and carnivals for their daily existence,” said Pilz. “Our coalition looks forward to continued collaboration with the Committee to achieve even more in the coming years.”

Entitled “Next Steps,” the report also identifies areas that require further attention. Recommendations aim at further recognition of circus arts as part of European culture and of the important contribution of funfairs to social cohesion and local culture. The report also requests action on artist and worker mobility, citing the United Kingdom’s new system for sponsorship of foreign workers as a possible model for other Member States.

Concerning technical requirements, the report urges action to eliminate contradictory standards that block the free movement of circuses and fairs. Noting the successful creation of a French charter agreement between traveling circuses and local communities, the coalition calls for support for a European-wide charter. Finally, coalition partners identify the need to develop a pilot program for distance learning for travelling students via internet communications with teachers from students’ native countries.

Joining the European Circus Association in the presentation of the report were Mr. Albert Ritter, President of the European Showmen’s Union; Mrs. Annette Schwer, representing the European Network for Traveler Education; Ms. Danijela Jovic, representing the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools; and Father Bernard van Welzenes on behalf of the Forum of Christian Organisations for the Pastoral Care of Circus and Carnival Workers.