By Michael dEstries, Source: Ecorazzi

Following in the footsteps of other South American countries (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Paraguay), Colombia today announced a ban on the use of wild animals in any traveling or stationary circuses.

The passage of the Bill comes after a six year campaign led by Animal Defenders International that included scientific reviews and undercover investigations that exposed significant abuse and neglect.

House Representative Augusto Posada, author of the Bill, said: “This is good news for the country because with the prohibition of the use of animals in circuses we are taking a significant step in the conservation of wildlife, the awareness to preserve nature and thus demonstrate that as humans we can respect the status and dignity of other species. Those who still have animal shows will have two years to evolve and allow the return of these creatures to a suitable habitat and to create new forms of entertainment without the presence of animals.”

While the Bill originally sought to ban all animals from circuses, domestic species unfortunately were excluded.