England passes Bill banning use of wild animals in circuses
Travelling circuses to be banned from using wild animals as a part of their shows in England.
London: England, in a bid to curb animal cruelty, announced that no animals would be used as a part of travelling circus shows. The Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced that the new Bill will prevent animals like reindeer, zebras and camels from performing in circuses, reported the LADBible.
The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill made it illegal for all travelling circuses in England to use wild animals. "Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals in the 21st century and I am pleased that this legislation will put an end to this practice for good,” said Gove. “Today's announcement follows other measures we have taken to strengthen our position as a world leader on animal protection,” he announced.
This Bill also includes ban on ivory sales to protect elephants and also aims to strengthen the protection of service animals in the country. As of 2018, a reported 19 animals were used in circuses including camels, racoons and zebras. This Bill is set to take effect after the circus’s license regulations expire in January 2020.
"After years of waiting for this issue to be resolved, Born Free is delighted that Mr Gove will now bring this Bill forward. The use of wild animals in travelling circuses is outdated and unpopular, and this legislation will bring England into line with a long and increasing list of countries which have banned this practice,” said Dr Chris Draper, Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity at the Born Free Foundation. The Born Free foundation has supported the campaign and is hoping for a quick implementation of the Bill in Parliament.
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA said: "We really welcome the Government introducing a Bill to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses. We've campaigned against having wild animals in circuses for many years.” "It's high time keeping wild animals in circuses is consigned to the history books and we look forward to the day that it is banned for good in England," he added.