RSPCA concern about delay to ban on wild animals in circuses
New scheme allows orcas and bears in circuses
The RSPCA is urging the Government to deliver on its promise to ban wild animals in travelling circuses in England after new legislation seems set to delay it.
Ministers announced in March that they were committed to introducing a ban by 2015, but kept details vague.
Then yesterday (Monday 28 October) a licensing scheme on how circus animals are to be kept in the meantime was agreed which could last for up to seven years.
Wild animal welfare experts have grave concerns that this scheme could delay the ban, will not protect the animals in the meantime and could even make it easier to introduce new species of wild animals to circuses – including bears, primates and even orcas.
RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: “We were delighted in March when the government announced a ban would happen. Seven months later and nothing has happened to make the ban a reality.
“Yesterday a new circus licensing scheme was announced which could make the life of wild animals in circuses worse not better and delay the end of this so-called ‘entertainment’.
“Anything short of a full ban is simply unacceptable and will fail to meet the needs of animals such as lions, tigers and zebras.
“Let’s get on with what needs to be done and stop these animals from being dragged around the country in beastwagons or confined to cramped temporary cages.”
The RSPCA has been campaigning for a ban on wild animals in travelling circuses for more than a decade.
Scientific research has shown that travelling circus life is likely to have a very harmful effect on animal welfare. Regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance, loud noises and crowds of people are all typical and unavoidable realities for the animals.
The public have also made their feelings very clear on this issue. Of more than 10,500 analysed responses to its 2010 consultation, 94% favoured a ban.
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