18623 Signatures Collected

PETITION TARGET: Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna

Throughout India, hundreds of animals are abused and humiliated as they are forced to perform unnatural behaviors under stressful conditions in circuses.

The use of big cats, monkeys, bears, and bulls was made illegal in 2011, but other animals — including elephants — have continued to suffer in circuses throughout the country.

With the permission of the Indian government, PETA India studied 16 circuses in India in 2013, finding rampant abuse and animal welfare issues. Elephants were beaten with ankuses and chained continuously when not performing, and many animals were kept in tiny cages with inadequate access to food, water, and shelter.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has proposed a ban on the use of all animals in circuses, mobile entertainment facilities or exhibitions. The proposal — released on 28 November this year — will be open for comments from stakeholders for 30 days before coming into effect.

Sign this petition urging the Indian government to work to pass this ban, so that all animals are protected from suffering for human entertainment in the circus.