France to ban use of wild animals in circuses and mink farming

In the next few years, the France Government plans a total ban of using wild animals in circuses and marine parks. Mink farming will also be banned. The great news has been announced by the France’s environment minister.

Barbara Pompili – the country’s minister of ecological transition made the announcement during a press conference earlier this week. She said that lions, tigers, bears, elephants and as well as other wild animals won’t be allowed to be part of circuses “in the coming years.” The minister also plans to put an end to dolphin and killer whales breeding in captivity. The use of those creatures in marine parks will also be forbidden. Mink farmings will also be closed down.

“It is time to open a new era in our relationship with these (wild) animals,” Ms. Pompili said. “It is time that our ancestral fascination with these wild beings no longer translates into situations where their captivity is favored over their well-being.”

So far, the minister did not precisely specify when the ban will start. However she said it should start “as soon as possible.” She also said everyone should be aware that it would take some time until the ban will be complete. “That transition will be spread over several years, because it will change the lives of many people,” Ms. Pompili said.

The minister also gave assurances that people who’re currently working in circuses and marine parks will be helped to find other jobs with the government preparing a $9.2 million package to help them.

Animal activists and animal rights groups all over the world have embraced the great news. However, they all hope the decisions will be soon implemented. “It is now vital that these decisions are put into practice as soon as is viable, and that steps are taken promptly to strategically and humanely phase-out these forms of wild animal exploitation,” Dr Chris Draper, Born Free’s Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity said.

Born Free was among the non profits that have strongly involved in the ban use of wild animals in circuses in France.

(Credits ABCNews)

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