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Ireland bans wild animals in circuses
The minister said the ability of a travelling circus to provide fully for wild animals such as camels and tigers is ‘no longer a tenable proposition’.
Legislation to come into force next year

The use of wild animals in circuses is set to be banned in Ireland, with new legislation coming into force on 1 January 2018.

Michael Creed, Ireland’s minister for agriculture, food and the marine, said the practice “can no longer be permitted”, as he signed the regulations.

“This is a progressive move, reflective of our commitment to animal welfare,” he added.

There will be a “modest” lead-in period to allow circus owners to make alternative arrangements for their animals.

Whilst the minister recognised there may be some regret among circus owners and operators, he said the ability of a travelling circus to provide fully for wild animals such as camels and tigers is ‘no longer a tenable proposition’.

Mr Creed added: “While the retirement of the small numbers of wild animals in Irish circuses might seem like a loss I am confident that this move will do more to secure the future of the circus community. Coming in line with modern welfare standards will mean that greater numbers of the public will be more comfortable with going to the circus.”

The new regulations form part of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013, a major piece of legislation that updated and replaced about 40 pieces of primary animal health and welfare legislation.

A bill to ban wild animals in circuses has reached stage two for further scrutiny in Scotland. Meanwhile the Welsh Government recently consulted on mobile animal exhibits and asked whether a ban on wild animals in circuses should be considered.

In England the government has committed to a ban but it is unknown when the legislation - which was drafted and scrutinised in 2013 - will be introduced. 

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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.