Research objectives:
In this project an investigation is conducted with the aim of answering the questions asked by LNV. The research will produce a report that can serve as a basis for a political and social discussion concerning the well-being of animals in circuses. As a starting point all available relevant scientific and technical literature is mapped.
Also interviews are held with persons or representatives of organisations which have insight in aspects of the circus company, relevant for the research. This produces on the one hand "state or the art" of the study into the well-being of circus animals. On the other hand those aspects which are relevant from the viewpoint of well-being circus animals, are defined and that in practice lets examine itself.
As a continuation an inventory is carried out of the current circus practice. For this in dialogue with the VNCO/BOC at their members and artists the different aspects of the circus company are mapped in the course of a year. This happens by means of structured questionnaires, own perceptions to animals and animal stays on municipal duty stations, in winter stays and during transport and interview with coaches/artists and dompteurs. Methods for estimation of well-being implications are as much as possible coordinated with the system which in the European research project
Welfare Quality for is at present developed agriculture house animals. The literature search, with the inventory of the current circus practice will end in a founded estimation of the well-being of animals in circuses in the Netherlands. This evaluation will be completed with an analysis of the legislation in the European Member States and the aims which land use to prohibit use of animals in circuses partially or entirely. |
