Circuses face ban on using wild animals

Announcing the Labour decision last night, Jim Fitzpatrick, the Defra minister directly responsible for animal welfare, said 94 per cent of people who took part in a government consultation were in favour of a complete ban on non-native animals – which was the government position before it launched a four-year inquiry.

Even more, 95.5 per cent, said they did not think there was any species of wild animal which could acceptably be used in circuses.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "I agree with the clear view emerging from the huge response to the Government's consultation that keeping wild animals to perform in travelling circuses is no longer acceptable. So I am minded to pursue a ban on the use of these animals in circuses."

A ban would retire the menageries of four circuses still running, between them, a kangaroo, five llamas, four reindeer, 11 camels, five lions, seven tigers, five zebra, two crocodiles, six snakes, a last remaining elephant and a kind of African cow called an ankole.

Dogs and horses would be allowed and the position on birds has yet to be decided. The ban would apply in England, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would have the choice of copying it or not.

The Government still has to work out what to do with animals forced into retirement. Some 84 per cent of those who responded to the consultation said they wanted to see ex-circus animals rehomed in zoos or sanctuaries.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Nobody wants to see them simply destroyed and we will work with all concerned."

The Association of Circus Proprietors said it had been asking for years for enforced minimum standards. It has a code of practice but not all circuses are members. Local authorities have had a big effect by refusing site licences but there is no law, apart from anti-cruelty law.