Downing Street has blocked a proposal to enable a ban on wild animals performing in circuses.
The Independent newspaper has started a petition. Read on…
No. 10 blocks plan to ban wild animals performing in circuses
Campaigners' hopes are set to be dashed as Government opts instead for self-regulation
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent“Downing Street has blocked plans by ministers to ban lions, tigers and other wild animals from performing in circuses, according to animal welfare groups.
For 12 months ministers at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have repeatedly indicated their support for stopping wild animals performing tricks in the big top, but No 10, which wishes to reduce Government regulation, is understood to have vetoed the decision during the past fortnight.
Ministers are expected to announce a system of self-regulation by circuses within days…
… Animal welfare campaigners, who say concerns about the size of enclosures, constant travel and loud crowds mean circuses should not keep wild animals, are furious at the U-turn. With the backing of the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, which represents 12,000 vets, The Independent today launches a campaign calling for the Prime Minister to rethink and announce a timetable for a ban.”