In 2019, the United Kingdom made a promising stride for animal welfare with the passage of the Wild Animals in Circuses Act. This legislation was widely celebrated as a victory, banning the use of wild animals like lions, tigers, and elephants in traveling circuses across Great Britain. It was a moment of hope, a signal that society was turning a corner on the exploitation of animals for entertainment. But for a heartbreaking number of animals, the curtain has not yet closed on their suffering.

Sadly, the act has a gaping loophole: it only protects animals classed as "wild." This leaves a whole host of "domestic" animals—including horses, dogs, donkeys, llamas, cats, and birds—still vulnerable to the grueling realities of circus life. For these animals, the show goes on, and so does the distress.

Imagine a life spent in a small cage, a pen, or a trailer, constantly on the move. This is the reality for many domestic animals in circuses. They endure cramped conditions, inadequate housing, and frequent, long journeys. These conditions are a far cry from a natural life and take a heavy toll on their physical and mental health.

The tricks they are forced to perform are often dangerous, difficult, and demeaning. Animals are made to jump through hoops, stand on their hind legs, or navigate obstacle courses that push them far beyond their natural abilities. The stress and fear of these performances can lead to clear signs of distress, neglect, and even injuries.

The current law is not only incomplete but also, at times, seemingly ignored. One report from the organization Freedom for Animals highlighted a shocking case where a circus was traveling with a camel—an animal supposedly protected by the Wild Animals in Circuses Act. The most alarming part? This was done with the "knowing consent" of the licensing authority. This incident, along with another where a circus was found selling animals as "pets," underscores a disturbing lack of oversight and enforcement.

We've made a start, but the work is not yet done. Animals, whether "wild" or "domestic," deserve lives free from exploitation and cruelty. The solution is a legislative change that would protect all animals, once and for all, from the circus. It's time to close the curtain on animal suffering and ensure that the entertainment we enjoy doesn't come at the cost of another's well-being.

By signing petitions and raising awareness, we can demand that the government take action and ban the use of all animals in circuses. The time for a complete ban is now. Let's make sure the next generation of performers is all human, and the animals are left to live in peace.