Following news that the Greek Government were to consider reversing the country’s ban on animal performances, NGOs and members of the public from across the world rallied to try to block the proposed Bill.

Yesterday the Minister told the Greek Parliament that he was withdrawing the reference in the proposed bill, which was going to lift the ban on animal performances in zoos (and dolphinaria). He admitted that he had received a lot of pressure to change his mind.

“In this instance, people power has averted a potential disaster”, said Daniel Turner, spokesperson for ENDCAP. “Greece remains the only country in the European Union to have banned animal performances and ENDCAP is actively encouraging other Member States to take similar steps. Thankfully Greece remains an example that hopefully others will follow.”