Joint statement from animal protection organisations.
The Born Free Foundation, British Veterinary Association, Captive Animals’ Protection Society, OneKind and the RSPCA have joined together to welcome the news that both Wales and Scotland appear to be moving towards a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
Last week, I attended a dinner hosted by the British Veterinary Association in the Scottish Parliament, where the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead MSP, informed vets, MSPs and animal welfare representatives that Scotland would consult on proposals to ban the use of wild animals in circuses in the coming year.
Mr Lochhead said:
“Whilst circuses undoubtedly bring joy to a number of people and there is an ever dwindling number of wild animals in travelling circuses, and none are based in Scotland, this is a potential welfare issue that is close to many people’s hearts. This has been under consideration in Scotland for a number of years and I do take this issue seriously.
“Which is why we are currently looking at the complex legal issues surrounding a possible ban in Scotland on ethical grounds and plan to issue a consultation on this soon to provide clear evidence of the feeling on this matter in Scotland.”
Meanwhile in Wales, a statement made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Food, Alun Davies AM, at the end of last week has confirmed that:
"Following the publication of DEFRA's Command paper 8538 on Wild Animals in Circuses, I intend writing to Lord de Mauley confirming my predecessor’s view on working with the UK Government and seeking an extension to the offence of using a wild animal in a circus to Wales"
The view of the five animal welfare groups is that, having worked collectively for many years on the campaign to see an end to the use of wild animals in circuses, we are delighted to see that England, Scotland and Wales all appear to be moving in the right direction. We will continue to work with the administrations across the UK to ensure the best outcome for animals as swiftly as possible.
The groups are keen to see a UK-wide ban introduced in order to avoid circuses simply moving across borders when the promised English ban on wild animal circuses is implemented.
OneKind is also campaigning for an end to the use of domesticated animals such as horses, dogs and birds being used in travelling circuses. Along with CAPS, we have written to all the Scottish councils that have let land to Zippo’s Circus on its two-month, 15-venue tour of Scotland, asking them to review their land use policy in light of public opinion and modern animal welfare knowledge.
