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Wales considers options for wild animal circus ban
‘Although there are no circuses based in Wales, they do visit and it is important the welfare needs of their animals are not overlooked.'
Campaigners welcome the move as “momentous” 

Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths has confirmed she is “exploring opportunities” to bring forward a ban on wild animals in circuses.

Responding to the news yesterday (14 February), the RSPCA Cymru said it was “a momentous day for animals”. The charity believes circuses are inappropriate environments for wild animals, owing to their transient nature, cramped conditions and forced training.

In December last year, Scotland became the first country in the UK to pass a ban on wild animals in circuses. The Irish Government also introduced a ban which came into effect last month.

Ms Griffiths said in a statement: ‘Although there are no circuses based in Wales, they do visit and it is important the welfare needs of their animals are not overlooked. I am exploring opportunities to bring forward legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales.

‘I intend to learn from the recent scrutiny of the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018, particularly discussion of ethical and welfare arguments for a ban.’

RSPCA Cymru responded in a statement: “This ban makes a huge statement about how highly animal welfare is regarded in Wales, and how this country wants to treat our fellow living creatures. RSPCA Cymru will now work closely with the Welsh Government and all stakeholders to ensure this ban becomes a reality as soon as possible.”
 
The Welsh Government previously announced plans to bring in a licensing scheme for mobile animal exhibits (MAEs), which include travelling falconry and hawking displays, reindeer at Christmas events and mobile petting zoos, as well as travelling circuses.

RSPCA Cymru said it is “positive” that the government is pursuing such a scheme, as animals in MAEs “face unique and challenging lives, and deserve more protection”.

Welsh officials have been asked to explore the options available to ministers and a full consultation will be launched in 2018.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.