Scottish Government papers released today have confirmed that an overwhelming 98% of respondents to a public consultation on the issue supported a complete ban on the continued use of animals such as lions, tigers and elephants in travelling circuses.
A total of 2,003 respondents (98%) to the consultation indicated that they thought the use of wild animals for performance in travelling circuses should be banned in Scotland; and 1,969 respondents (96.4%) indicated that they thought the use of wild animals for exhibition (without performing) in travelling circuses should be banned in Scotland.
OneKind and the Born Free Foundation have campaigned together for reform in Scotland and are standing by to support the Scottish Government in delivering a solution to this important animal welfare issue.
Whilst there have been no wild animal circuses based in Scotland in living memory, circuses with wild animals have toured to Scotland in recent years. But in late 2014 Thomas Chipperfield, a big cat circus trainer, moved his animals from England to a farm near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. The move triggered an outcry from members of the public, animal welfare experts and parliamentarians alike and led to demands being made upon the Scottish Government to implement a ban as soon as possible.
In 2012, the Westminster Government released a draft bill to ban the use of wild animals in circuses on ethical grounds; inviting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to join together in creating UK-wide legislation. Since that time, no progress has been made on the implementation of the ban in England, to the disappointment of advocates working on the issue. The inaction in Westminster signals an opportunity for Scotland to lead the way on this important issue by acting independently.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart welcomed the results of the consultation:
“The public have overwhelmingly shown that they are against the archaic practice of having wild animals perform in circuses and I hope that the Scottish Government takes cognisance of their views and will legislate for a ban as soon as possible.
“We cannot afford for the rest of the UK to catch-up and if our Scottish Government does not introduce legislation in the near future then I will certainly consider introducing a Members’ Bill to ban this barbaric practice once and for all.”
Will Travers, President of the Born Free Foundation said:
“Today’s message from the Scottish public could not be clearer: people don’t want to see wild animals in circuses in this country any longer. The Scottish Government now has a real chance to demonstrate that it is a progressive force for animal welfare.
With inaction in Westminster meaning that the potential UK-wide ban is currently on hold, Scotland is in a great position to lead the way and implement the first wild animal circus ban in the British Isles”.
Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire-based Modo, a youth circus that celebrates human achievement and creativity, has expressed concern about the negative perceptions of circuses fostered by the continued use of wild animals. Director Martin Danziger said:
“Important as it is to stop wild animal use for moral reasons, its very existence also makes our work harder - we have to work harder to communicate the difference between two things that call themselves circuses, and to work to counter negative perceptions.”
OneKind has always warned that not banning these entertainments would simply leave the door open for them to set up here at any time. That is what happened with the big cats overwintering in Aberdeenshire and their owner attempting to use them in public shows. A simple ban would reflect modern attitudes to animals and the overwhelming will of the Scottish public.
You can read the full analysis on the Scottish Government website.