Government introduces Bill to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today (1 May) announced a new Bill to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
Some of the animals which currently perform in circuses include reindeer, zebras and camels. The use of wild animals in travelling circuses has no place in modern society and does nothing to further the conservation or our understanding of wild animals.
The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill means that circus operators in England will no longer be able to use wild animals as part of a travelling circus.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:
Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals in the 21st century and I am pleased that this legislation will put an end to this practice for good.
Today’s announcement follows other measures we have taken to strengthen our position as a world leader on animal protection. This includes our ban on ivory sales to protect elephants, and delivering Finn’s Law to strengthen the protection of service animals.
Animal Welfare Minister David Rutley said:
I am pleased that today’s legislation will deliver on the ban that many welfare charities and parliamentarians have been calling for.
The general public can still enjoy a trip to the circus, but it is good to know that wild animals will no longer be a part of that experience.
Today’s announcement follows a commitment in February 2018 to introduce a ban by the time the existing interim licensing regulations expire in January 2020.
A number of animal welfare charities have also been campaigning for a ban and welcomed today’s news.
Follow the link to read the article in full on the Gov.UK website