On October 29th of this year, the new Dutch government announced a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. It was presented to the public in their coalition agreement. Although in 2008, the Dutch parliament nearly agreed on a ban,it took until 2012, when the new coalition finally decided that the use of wild animals in circuses should end.

Although, in the past, the Dutch government had not enforced any animal welfare standards when using circus animals, they are now the third European country to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Austria and Greece had already made this move with Greece going even one step further by putting an end to the use of all animals in circuses.

For years, the Dutch animal protection organization, Wilde Dieren de Tent Uit, (No Wild Animals in Circuses) had worked towards a ban for years with co-founder, AAP Foundation. They are ecstatic about this new policy in the Dutch government.

According to David van Gennep, director AAP Foundation: "We congratulate Wilde Dieren de Tent Uit on this huge success and thank our partner organizations for their enormous commitment to the elephants, monkeys, tigers and other wild animals that have performed and still perform tricks in circuses in the Netherlands."

Leonie Vestering, director Wilde Dieren de Tent Uit added, "This decision is a big reward for Wilde Dieren de Tent Uit and we are very happy that the ban is finally included in the coalition agreement. We are very willing to help move the animals to a shelter where their wellbeing is secured."

Once again a big Thanks and Congratulations to the Dutch government for taking this important step to help end the suffering of wild circus animals.