Defra still stalling over wild animal circus ban
FOUR PAWS is appalled that the UK Government is continuing to drag its feet over bringing in a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
A ban is supported by the vast majority of the British public and by politicians across political parties. In a House of Commons backbench debate in June 2011, MPs unanimously approved a motion directing the government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses by July 2012.
Defra cited a legal challenge to a similar ban in Austria as the reason why they could not proceed with a ban in the UK. However, following the news in December 2011 that the legal challenge to Austria’s ban has been dismissed by the Austrian Constitutional courts, Defra is running out of excuses.
 Angelique Davies, Head of Programmes at Four Paws UK, said: “Four Paws started life in Austria and now has offices in nine countries across Europe. Our supporters in Austria are proud that their Government has stood by its ban on wild animals in circuses and delighted that the legal challenge to the ban has failed. By contrast, our supporters in the UK are utterly dismayed at the Government’s completely inadequate response to public and political will on this issue.”
Defra is coming under mounting pressure to act. Two new Early Day Motions have been launched this month: One calling on the Government to listen to the will of the House of Commons and enact a ban on wild animals in circuses, and the other calling on the Government to release reports of circus inspections carried out by Defra staff. Repeated requests to release these inspection reports under the Freedom of Information Act have been refused.
Angelique said: “What is Defra trying to hide in withholding these inspection reports? If they really believe that regulation can prevent animal cruelty in circuses, why are they so afraid to allow proper scrutiny of the inspection findings?”
Take action
Action 1: Email your MP and ask them to sign EDM 2563 calling for a ban on wild animals in circuses and EDM 2586 calling for the release of circus inspection reports.
Action 2: Email Caroline Spelman and tell Defra to stop stalling and enact a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
You can use our template email but it’s more effective if you personalise it. Remember to keep it polite and to the point.
Dear Caroline Spelman MP,
I am dismayed at Defra’s lack of action to end the use of wild animals in circuses. A ban on wild animals in circuses is supported by the vast majority of the British public and by politicians across political parties. Several other European countries have successfully enacted such bans.
I feel strongly that circuses cannot provide an appropriate environment for a wild animal and that a licensing system cannot protect the welfare of these animals. I urge you to listen to the will of Parliament and the British public and enact a ban on wild animals in circuses without further delay.
Yours sincerely,
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