Janet Dean MP is urging people in Burton and Uttoxeter to respond to a new Government consultation on whether the use of wild animals in travelling circuses should be banned.

Janet said,

“I know from my postbag that many of my constituents are strongly opposed to wild animals being used for entertainment.  I agree with them that the circus is no place for a wild creature.  Wild animals in circuses can spend a lot of time in temporary quarters or being transported in cramped conditions and they lack the space and the specialised environment they need to maintain normal behaviour.”

“The Animal Welfare Act, introduced by this Government in 2006, was the most important piece of animal welfare legislation for over a century and circus animals in general are protected by it. But travelling circuses can be difficult to police and I believe it is time for a complete ban where wild animals are concerned.”

Details of the consultation, which runs until March 15th 2010, can be found on the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at

http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/circus-wild-animals/

Responses can be made using the online questionnaire or by email to
animalwelfarecircusconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk  and in writing to:

Rebecca Kenner
Defra
Animal Welfare Act Implementation Team
c/o 17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR

30  December 2009


Further information

The Consultation cover three options:
1.    A complete ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
2.    Voluntary self regulation on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
3.    Compulsory statutory regulation on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.