Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Wild animals in circuses to be banned
Travelling circuses are to be banned from using wild animals in two years time, under plans being announced by the Government.
from:  telegraph.co.uk
By Claire Carter
16 Apr 2013
Draft legislation is due to be published today, outlawing the use of wild animals in circuses from 2015, after a number of reports of mistreatment of animals involved in circuses.
The RSPCA has welcomed the move and said it was vital that quick action was taken to end the suffering of animals working in the circus. A spokeswoman said: “What is important for us is that there is a clear deadline date for the ban and a proper retirement plan is put in place for the animals.
“There are huge welfare concerns involved with hauling circus animals like zebras, lions and tigers across the country for our entertainment.”
It is believed there are around 35 wild animals – which includes camels, zebras and snakes currently being used in circuses.
Lord de Mauley, an Environment Minister, will set out proposals for the draft bill today.
A ban was expected last year after the Government promised to outlaw the use of wild animals following reports of the mistreatment of an elephant called Anne by her owner, where an undercover film revealed her being hit with a pitchfork and kicked in the face and body by a groom. At the time circus owner Bobby Roberts was found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, and for failing to prevent an employee from repeatedly beating her.
However ministers were criticised for delaying the announcement of plans for the ban and a timetable for when it would be implemented.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: We announced in March 2012 that it was our intention to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses and we are now working towards bringing in a Bill to achieve this."
 

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