All about CAPS

The Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS) was founded in 1957. Founder Irene Heaton was appalled by the suffering of animals within the entertainment industry, and campaigned tirelessly on their behalf throughout the rest of her life.

It is through her efforts and the influence and hard work of her successors, that CAPS can be recognised today as one of this country's leading campaigning organisations on behalf of animals in circuses, zoos, and the entertainments industry.

To learn more about the first 50 years of CAPS work click here

Aims
CAPS is opposed to the use of animals in entertainment and works to end their use. Since 1957 our main object has been to end the use of all animals in circuses, a campaign which is still at the forefront of our work today.

Our other key areas of work are to end the captivity of animals in zoos and exotic pet trade as well as the use of captive wild animals in advertising and films.

CAPS seeks to prevent the use and exploitation of captive and performing animals, and investigates cases of alleged cruelty against captive and performing animals.

Projects
Over the past 50 years, CAPS has helped individuals and organisations with their own projects, both in the UK and abroad, by supplying them with information, photographs, video footage and other forms of support, including financial assistance.

Our undercover investigators obtain hard evidence; we produce educational and campaign materials; we lobby politicians at all levels for legislation to end animal use in entertainment. We have also established an educational charity to particularly work with teachers and students.

Patrons
CAPS is pleased to have a number of patrons who lend their credibility and high profile support to our organisation. They come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, all united in their opposition to the use of animals in entertainment and determination to do something about it! Click here to read all about our patrons.

Information Packs
CAPS produces a number of leaflets and information packs. These are available for use by students, campaigners and other members of the public. We also produce a Council Information Pack which is used by councils and councillors considering a ban on circuses with performing animals from council owned land.

Ethical Policy
The ethical considerations of CAPS goes beyond just the issues we directly work on and we try to be as ethical as possible. We will not knowingly accept money from any company or individual that we believe is involved in the abuse of animals or the environment.

The Website
The CAPS website includes a vast amount of information. The largest sections deal with our keys areas of work on circuses and zoos, but there are also sections on elephants and aquariums. The newsdesk contains the latest information on captive animals from around the world. Material appearing on the CAPS website may be reproduced by campaigners and students as long as it is fully credited. Requests for permission to reproduce material on this website for other purposes should be made direct to CAPS.

You Can Help!
The CAPS campaign strategy is working and we need your help to continue to be effective. Only by exposing suffering can we help the animals. Please email us with questions and information, and support us as much as you can. You can also make a donation online here.

The Captive Animals' Protection Society,
PO Box 4186,
Manchester,
M60 3ZA, UK

Phone 0845 330 3911

Email info@captiveanimals.org