# Hungary circus wild animal ban > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungary-circus-wild-animal-ban > Updated: 2026-09-04T09:06:03.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4. The Hungarian government has officially enacted a decree to ban the use of most wild animals and their hybrids in circus performances, effective January 1, 2027. Spokesperson Éva Magyar stated the decision is driven by animal welfare and public safety. The legislation prohibits the acquisition, breeding, keeping, training, and exhibition of 25 specific animal groups, including elephants, tigers, primates, bears, giraffes, hippopotamuses, and certain wild cats and canines. The ban extends to hybrids up to the fourth generation, while domesticated species such as horses, dogs, and cattle remain exempt. To assist with the transition, a grace period allows circus troupes to keep animals currently in their care until the end of their lives, though they will no longer be permitted to use them in performances or allow them to breed. The regulations also extend to foreign circus troupes, who will be prohibited from entering the country if their performances involve wild animals. This move makes Hungary the final European Union member state to implement such restrictions on animal use in circuses. As the deadline approaches, circus operators are expected to transition to alternative forms of entertainment, such as acrobatics, technology, music, and lighting. While animal rights organizations have welcomed the decision, the circus sector faces the challenge of restructuring business models to comply with the new regulations. ## Claims - A new government decree has been published regarding circus animal management. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The ban is based on ethical and animal welfare concerns. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The decree prohibits the acquisition, breeding, keeping, training, presentation, and performance of specific wild animals in circuses. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Domesticated species such as horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, pigs, and cattle are exempt from the ban. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2027. (single source) - Circus troupes may keep existing animals until the end of their lives but cannot perform with them. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Hungary bans wild animals in circuses starting 2027 Hungary will ban the use, breeding, and training of wild animals in circuses starting January 1, 2027, making it the last EU nation to implement such restrictions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-bans-wild-animals-in-circuses-starting-2027 ### 2026-08-29: Hungary to ban animal use in circuses starting in 2027 Hungary will prohibit the use of animals in circus shows starting in 2027, forcing the entertainment sector to adopt animal-free alternatives like acrobatics and technology. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-ban-animal-use-in-circuses-starting-in-2027 ### 2026-08-14: Hungary bans wild animal performances in circuses Hungary has announced a ban on most wild animals in circuses due to animal welfare concerns. The regulation, effective January 2027, exempts domesticated species like horses and dogs. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-bans-wild-animal-performances-in-circuses ### 2026-08-09: Hungary to ban wild animals in circuses starting 2027 Hungary will ban the use of specific wild animals and their hybrids in circuses starting January 1, 2027, citing animal welfare and public safety concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-ban-wild-animals-in-circuses-starting-2027 --- Cite as: Hungary circus wild animal ban. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungary-circus-wild-animal-ban