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Victory for animals! With one of the biggest circus industries in the world, Italy voted to phase out ALL ANIMALS used in circuses and traveling shows after a recent vote in the Assembly of the Parliament! The exciting news comes on the heels of India recently banning the use of wild animals in circuses, making Italy the 41st country to pass a national law prohibiting animals in circuses.

According to Animal Defenders International (ADI), a leading non-profit animal welfare organization, the rules on how Italy will implement phasing out all animals used in circuses will be set out within one year by a Ministerial decree. This is a huge breakthrough in the fight against circuses that uses animals, considering there are 100 circuses in Italy and an average of 2,000 animals forced to perform silly tricks.

“Travelling from place to place, week after week, using temporary collapsible cages and pens, circuses simply cannot provide for the needs of the animals.  Through ADI’s undercover investigations we have shown the violence and abuse that is used to force these animals to obey and perform tricks,” ADI President Jan Creamer said in a press release. ADI has long been a supporter of the end of animals used in entertainment, having released undercover investigations inside animal circuses and championing countries to implement a ban.

Several other countries including RomaniaIran, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, as well as a number of U.S. cities like Los AngelesNew York City, and Portland, Maine have already instated similar legislation that bans the use of wild animals in circuses, showing us that the world as a whole has been making giant strides toward a more humane future.

Be sure to share this fantastic news with your friends and family!

Image Source: Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay