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Are wild animals in circuses illegal in the Netherlands?

Partly. Wild animals in circuses are restricted in the Netherlands. Wild mammals banned since 2015; wild birds and reptiles not covered.

Decree of 8 Dec 2014 amending the Besluit houders van dieren, in force 15 Sep 2015: no wild MAMMALS in circuses beyond an annex list; birds and reptiles not covered (RVO page checked 30 Jun 2025). Amber under the all-wild-animals rule, 9 Oct 2026.

Source: Besluit houders dieren

• The Netherlands is one of 16 countries where wild animals in circuses are banned, and 23 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 2.
• In Europe: banned in 11 of 39 countries.

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Other countries that ban wild animals in circuses

LatviaSloveniaAustriaLuxembourgCroatiaIrelandSerbiaCyprusMaltaBosnia & HerzegovinaPortugalGreeceColombiaBoliviaAll 16 on the map ›

What else is banned in the Netherlands