Wild animal ban in circuses
Welfare charities and veterinary associations alike have celebrated the announcement of a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
A draft Bill, which was published on 16 April, will make it illegal for wild animals to be used in circus performances in England from 1 December 2015.
Welcoming the move, BVA president Peter Jones said: "I am heartened that we will soon see the end of the exploitation of these animals in the confines of a circus."
Along with organisations including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation and the Captive Animals' Protection Society, the BVA have been campaigning for a ban for some time.
The basis of the groups' argument has been that the environmental needs of wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus, nor can their need to express normal behaviour.
All four organisations said they will support the government in the formal enactment of the Bill, and the RSPCA and Born Free Foundation have reiterated their pledge to find safe homes for the wild animals currently being used in circuses in England.
The BVA will be consulting its members on these proposals once the Bill has been studied. This, Mr Jones says, will "ensure that we can help to develop appropriate and robust legislation."
