RSPCA: Wild animals in circuses

Friday, 13 May 2011 12:00 AM

David Bowles, director of communications for the RSPCA, said:

"The RSPCA is furious that the government appear to have done a complete u-turn on the issue of whether wild animals are to be banned in circuses.

"The UK hiding behind a challenge to the Austrian government ban is a complete red herring as the European commission have said they are happy with bans on use of wild animals in Member States."

"The public have made their feelings very clear on this issue. Of more than 10,500 analysed responses to its 2010 consultation, 94% favoured a ban. The overwhelming public response to the plight of Anne the elephant - the last elephant touring with a UK circus - is also a clear indicator of how people feel.

"We already lag far behind the five countries that have already banned the practice of wild animals in circuses (Austria, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Israel and Singapore) and the 13 others that place restrictions on the types of animals that can be used (e.g. Bulgaria, Portugal, Slovakia).

"The dithering on this issue has to stop - we call on the government to act now. "We ask anyone wanting to help on this issue to email their MP and ask them to forward the message direct to the Prime Minister."

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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