Animal laws in differing countries???

"People from outside the industry of the Circus may not realize some of the difficulties faced by folk's involved with an industry that is truly global, and in need of a consistency and "Word Standard" for the husbandry of captive animals in a transient/moving environment.
Imagine trying to operate a legal, global business being told you can't sell your product here. We'll buy your wheat, but your corn is against the law. I should hope the 25 member nations with the inclusion of the United States in this "global community" would all have the exact same agenda, and not be "for each his own."

"Here's Denmark's take on the performing animal situation Nov. 5, 2008:

In principle Danish legislation does not permit a circus to present wild animal acts. Only domestic animals are permitted. However, the Ministry of Justice can grant exemptions. And by tradition such exemptions have been granted for elephants and sealions but not for lions, tigers and other big cats. In 2003 a committee suggested that such exemptions should not be granted any longer resulting in a ban of elephants and sealions in Danish circuses.

"Oddly elephants and sea mammals which are a major issue in the United States, are/were acceptable in Denmark, but not felines. Horse's in stalls are acceptable, but not camels or Zebra's. Or possibly Camels are accepted as domestic, or possibly not?"

However many Danes wanted to protect the rights of circuses and trainers to continue to present animals as part of the classical circus. And the Minster of Justice did listen to their arguments and established in March 2007 a working group and asked them to consider the matter and deliver a report. According to the proposal/report it will still be possible to present elephants and sealions in circuses in Denmark. And it will still be impossible to present bears, big cats etc.
The proposal is not unanimously as three members of the working group were in favour of a total ban of elephants and sealions in circuses. The other members saw no reason for such ban if animals can be ensured good living conditions.

Many of the working group’s proposals are in line with the ECA code of conduct.

Animals must be housed as appropriate for their species. They must be provided with protection from the weather, a clean dry stables / living area, fresh bedding, and freedom of movement within their enclosure. Suitable barriers must be in place between the public and the animals. Specific requirements are set for each specimen:

When touring the elephants shall at each circus lot have access to a pen of no less than 100 square metres to be increased to 150 square metres if more than two elephants in the pen. For each elephant an elephant groom shall watch the elephant whenever it is outside the transportation vehicle.

"In the winter months, is the above recommended pen required inside the heated tent? Or is it not required for periods of time? Do I understand that if you have 3 elephants you must have 3 grooms, and if you have 15 elephants you must have 15 grooms?"

As for sealions they shall at each circus lot have access to a basin (tank) being at least 1.2 metres deep and holding at least 50 cubic metre of water.

"In regards to sea lions, I don't have a clue. Maybe our European friends or Jim Alexander can help by explaining what is protocol. In regards to this tank which is at least 1.2 metres deep and holding at least 50 cubic metre of water, how is this water maintained, filtered during the winter months? Is it not required for short periods of time?"

Also for horses, camels, dogs, birds etc. the proposal contains specific requirements.

Transportation of animals must be appropriate for the species and individuals involved. Also here specific requirements are set up. All animal training must be based on operant conditioning and the use of positive reinforcement and repetition of desired behaviours. Training should showcase individual animals’ natural behaviours and athletics. Training must not place an animal in danger nor cause physical injury or psychological stress.

"There it is "psychological stress!!!!!" As far as I know, in reading thousands of reports over the years, it is something that has never been addressed adequately in the circus. WHAT is psychological stress, and WHAT causes it?" It is my fervent hope and dream that someday when it is decided finally what is adequate for an animal physically, regardless of what Circus he is in around the world, they might then spend time on WHAT is psychological stress, and WHAT causes it? If they started with WHOM, they would arrive at WHAT very quickly, and also come to the conclusion, it has nothing to do with physical? It might jump start a valid "Standardized Qualification Requirement" that would eliminate "cute and charming" as a requisite for Animal Training in the Circus, and as consistency is established you would see psychological stress disappear, assuming you have established WHAT it is."

The proposal have now been submitted to circuses, animal right organisation etc. for consideration. They are all invited to give their comments by 2 December 2008. Following that the Minster and the Government will consider the proposal from the working group. It seems likely that the final rules set out by the Parliament and the Minister of Justice will be in line with the proposal from the working group. The rules will enter into force as of 1 January 2010.