The Greek government has sent an amendment to parliament on animal rights which would ban circuses from using animals in their acts, Naftemporiki news agency said on Thursday.
The amendment will increase the liability for torturing animals.
The bill stipulates stricter criminal liability for the cruel treatment of animals. Those convicted under the new article will be sent to prison.
The fine for animal cruelty of household pets will be raised to 30,000 euros ($42,453).
The Greek government has been debating the bill since 2009 after a circus trainer was shown on TV beating an elephant with a stick.
ATHENS, March 31 (RIA Novosti)
