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Animals to be banned from Welsh circuses
45 countries across the globe have introduced bans on animals in circuses.
Move brings UK-wide ban one step closer

The Welsh government is to introduce a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the government said: “The way animals are treated is an important reflection of society and over the next 12 months, a bill will be introduced to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses on welfare grounds”.

Jan Creamer of Animal Defenders International (ADI), which has documented suffering and use in UK circuses for many years, welcomed the move.

“We congratulate the Welsh Government for taking a stand to stop circus suffering in Wales and bringing a UK-wide ban one step closer,” she said. “Knowing that only a ban can protect them, we are delighted an end to the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales is finally within sight.”

The Bill has taken a long time to come to fruition, given that the Welsh government first committed to a ban on wild animals in circuses in 2013. In February this year, the UK government pledged to introduce a UK-wide ban by January 2020.

To date, 45 countries across the globe have introduced bans on animals in circuses, including Scotland and Ireland. Currently, there are only two circuses in England that carry wild animals and are licensed to tour in Wales - Circus Mondao and Peter Jolly’s Circus.

A third circus with big cats, owned by Thomas Chipperfield, also performed in Wales when it was unable to obtain a license in England. Since then it has remained off the road, but ADI has revealed the miserable lives suffered by its cats, which live in restricted cages and have limited outside access.

ADI also found evidence of overcrowding, fighting between animals and a worker tormenting a camel. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.