Britain’s 'last lion tamer' refused licence
Mr Chipperfield owns two lions and a tiger.
A lion tamer from Hampshire has been refused a licence to use three big cats in his travelling big top show.
Thomas Chipperfield from Winchester is Britain’s only remaining lion tamer. According to BBC News, his appeal against the decision by Defra was also rejected in court.
A Defra spokesperson said: “We remain absolute in our commitment to banning wild animals in circuses and intend to introduce the ban prior to the regulations expiring in January 2020.
“Until then, we will impose the strictest possible standards to ensure the welfare needs of these animals are met.”
Mr Chipperfield, who owns two lions and a tiger, submitted an application to Defra in April last year for his Big Cats Live circus. He appealed against Defra’s decision in July, but it was later upheld by North Staffordshire Magistrates Court.
BBC News said that the court rejected the appeal over concerns that, while he was experienced with big cats, he may be unable to maintain stable care plans for the animals and to provide written itineraries.
Defra has confirmed it does not intend to renew regulations allowing animals in travelling circuses when they expire in January 2020.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
