UK Government to ban wild animals in circuses
Posted on 01/03/2012
UK Government announces it will pursue a ban on wild animals in circuses, but in the mean time implement a licensing system.
Last year despite overwhelming public support for a ban on wild animals in circuses, the UK government proposed to move forward with a licensing scheme rather than a ban. This caused a massive outcry by NGOs, the public and Parliament which may have finally been heard by the Ministry. Now, the UK has said it will work towards a ban while implementing a licensing scheme in the interim to secure the welfare of animals still being used by circuses.
A public consultation has been opened on the licensing system until 25 April. Defra states that government appointed inspectors, paid for by the circus industry, will be used to cover training and performance, transport, on-site temporary housing and winter housing for the animals. NGOs will closely monitor the developments to ensure the UK government establishes a firm deadline for transitioning to a full ban on wild animals in circuses.
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