Home >

Ten tigers and nine lions have been moved from Empire Circus to Nahargarh, a rescue centre and sanctuary outside Jaipur. These animals were forced by the circus to live in cages barely larger than the sizes of their bodies but now, for the first time in their lives, finally have some peace and freedom.

As a result of a lawsuit filed by PETA against the state of Maharashtra and Empire Circus, the court ruled that until the case is settled, these animals, who are banned from performing, according to a May 2001 Supreme Court ruling and a government notification dated 14th October 1998, should be sent to the rescue centre. Additionally, the court has ordered that Empire Circus cannot make the remaining animals perform since this circus has failed to register itself with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which is required by law. However, Empire Circus continues to use the remaining animals for performances.

During investigations of Empire Circus, PETA documented many shocking cases of cruelty. PETA found elephants kept shackled by three legs, dogs confined to tiny cages, horses tied with short ropes and cockatoos confined to cages without a perch, forcing them to hold onto the sides.

The case is currently waiting to be heard in the Supreme Court.

For more information on cruelty under the big top and what you can do to help animals in circuses, click here.