Hungary Closes the Last EU Loophole for Wild Animals in the Circus Ring
Hungary has banned the use of wild animals in circus performances, aligning with a bloc-wide trend among European Union member states.
Hungary Aligns with EU Trend on Wild Animals in Circuses
Hungary has taken a significant step towards animal welfare by banning the use of wild animals in circus performances. The prohibition, which took effect on 1 January 2027, makes Hungary the final European Union member state to align with a bloc-wide trend. The restriction was enacted through a government decree published in the Hungarian Gazette, making it the last EU country to close this loophole.
The decree prohibits acquiring, breeding, keeping, training, displaying, or using 25 groups of wild animals in circus productions. These species include elephants, primates, big and other wild cats, bears, giraffes, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, seals, kangaroos, red pandas, wild canids, birds of prey, and reptiles classified as dangerous. Domestic animals, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and pigs, are exempt from the ban.
A Phased Approach to Animal Welfare
Rather than forcing immediate relocation, the measure phases out affected performances. Animals already legally held by a circus on 1 January 2027 may stay for the rest of their lives, but they can no longer be trained, displayed, or bred. A narrow transitional exception allows for existing breeding permits to continue.
This approach prioritizes animal welfare while also considering the practicalities of relocating animals. The decision responds to strengthening public and animal-welfare expectations, according to government spokesperson Éva Magyar. Hungary had previously applied only a partial ban, allowing foreign troupes to bring animals into the country to perform after facing stricter rules at home.
The reform follows Hungary's change of government, with the new administration creating a Ministry for the Living Environment, led by László Gajdos, the former director of Nyíregyháza Zoo. The Hungarian National Circus supported the decision, with its director, József Richter Jr., stating that the company would take in Szandra, an Indian elephant, and offer her accommodation at its safari park. Animal advocate Raul Vida, CEO of Empathy Story, connected the outcome to years of civil-society pressure, saying that the ban marks a long-awaited step forward for animal welfare in Hungary.
Source: vegconomist