Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Honoured actors support campaign for wild animal circus ban
Circus tiger
The enforcement of a wild animal circus ban will prevent further suffering of the UK's circus animals

Letter written to the Queen to urge for action to be taken

Two honoured British actors have collaborated in joining the Animal Defenders International’s (ADI) Stop Circus Suffering campaign.  

Sir Roger Moore KBE and Imelda Staunton OBE have both been honoured by the Queen for their achievements. They have now written Her Majesty a letter, urging her to ensure that prompt action is taken to pass a wild animal circus ban. 

The letter raised concerns that despite government promises, action to bring a wild animal circus ban into force has been slow. It requested that commitment to the ban is included in the Queens speech at the State Opening of Parliament on the 4th June.

A letter was delivered to David Cameron last month, prompting him to reaffirm his commitment to the ban of wild animal acts. The letter, which was headed by former Conservative MEP and conservationist Stanley Johnson and social justice campaigner Peter Tatchell, was signed by 75 celebrities and politicians including Dame Judi Dench, Timothy West CBE, Eddie Izzart and Julian Clary.
 
ADI Chief Executive, Jan Creamer, said: “I am delighted that Sir Roger Moore and Imelda Staunton OBE are urging the Queen to support the promised ban on wild animals in circuses, which has support from the public and politicians alike. The Government has promised a ban and we want to see it happen. Further delays will result in continued animal suffering.”
 
The ban is widely supported by vets, animal welfare experts, politicians and the vast majority of the public. A consultation by Defra on the issue revealed that 94.5 per cent of respondents were in support of the ban.
 
Following implementation of a ban, the UK’s wild circus animals can be relocated to sanctuaries with the help of ADI. The charity have recently relocated 25 lions after securing a circus ban in Bolivia and are currently liaising with authorities to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of circus animals in Peru.
 
Image courtesey of Animal Defenders International.
 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.