16 May 2011 – Keith has expressed his disappointment and anger over the UK’s decision not to introduce a ban on wild animals in circuses. The government officially announced last week that it was introducing a licensing system, rather than a ban, for wild animals in circuses, despite overwhelming public support for a ban (1). The licensing system will establish standards for transport and keeping animals which circuses in the UK will have to meet.
Keith said: “This decision by the UK government not to introduce a ban is just not good enough. The UK is known throughout Europe as a nation of animal lovers and we should be leading the way in Europe by introducing a ban on the use of any animal in circuses. European countries, such as Austria and Denmark have already banned the cruel use of wild animals in circuses.”
He continued: “In this day and age it can hardly be called ‘entertainment’ to watch an animal performing tricks, knowing that it is enduring constant travel, loud crowds and small enclosures. I will be keeping up the pressure on the government to put an end to this outdated practice, by introducing a ban on all circus animals.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Of the nearly 13,000 people who took part in a Defra consultation last year, a phenomenal 94 per cent of people said they wanted to see a complete ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
