Bay MP Outraged as Wild Animals Stay in Circuses

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has expressed his disappointment with the Government's decision not to impose a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, despite an overwhelming majority of the public supporting the idea.

The Government intends to introduce tough licensing laws for circuses using wild animals which would impose strict animal welfare standards. However this is unlikely to help the 39 wild animals still performing in circuses around the country.

The decision comes amidst increasing concern about the treatment of wild animals in circuses, highlighted most recently by the case of Anne the elephant which encouraged calls for the Government to take serious action on the issue. However, Government ministers cited potential legal proceedings in Austria for passing a ban on wild animals in circuses, as the reason for blocking a total ban in Britain.

Adrian commented: "This is not the decision we had hoped for. A move to ban the use of wild animals in circuses would have cross-party support, as well as satisfying the 94.5 per cent of the public who are in favour of an outright ban.

Ministers seem to be hiding behind concerns over potential legal action in Austria but I feel these are unfounded. I will continue to urge the Government to reconsider this decision once they have concrete legal advice."