Today the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, announced a new Bill which will ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
Some of the animals which currently perform in circuses include reindeer, zebras and camels. The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill makes provision to prohibit the use of such animals in travelling circuses and will apply to circus operators in England.
During the announcement speech, 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 in animal protection. This includes our ban on ivory sales to protect elephants, and delivering Finn's Law to strengthen the protection of service animals".
The Bill has been welcomed by animal welfare supporters and charities. Dr Chris Draper, Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity at the Born Free Foundation said:
"After years of waiting for this issue to be resolved, Born Free is delighted that Mr Gove will now bring this Bill forward. The use of wild animals in travelling circuses is outdated and unpopular, and this legislation will bring England into line with a long and increasing list of countries which have banned this practice. Born Free and its supporters have campaigned for a long time for this outcome and we look forward to the swift progress of the Bill through Parliament".
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA said "we really welcome the Government introducing a Bill to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses".
"We've campaigned against having wild animals in circuses for many years. They have complex needs that cannot be properly met in a circus environment. It's high time keeping wild animals in circuses is consigned to the history books and we look forward to the day that it is banned for good in England".
