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Wales launches consultation on wild animals in travelling circuses
The proposed bill would make it a criminal offence for a wild animal to be used in a travelling circus in Wales.

RSPCA welcomes move which could lead to an outright ban

A consultation on a draft law banning the use of wild animals in travelling circuses has been launched by the Welsh government.

The proposed bill follows years of campaigning by the RSPCA and would make it a criminal offence for a wild animal to be used in a travelling circus in Wales.

Rural affairs secretary Lesley Griffiths said: “We believe that wild animals should be treated with dignity and respect as sentient beings, and not objectified or perceived as commodities for our entertainment.

“A ban will send a clear message that the people of Wales believe this practice to be an outdated notion and ethically unacceptable.

“We want future generations of children and young people to develop respectful and responsible attitudes towards animals. I would urge everyone with an interest to give their views on our proposals and take part in the consultation."

RSPCA senior scientific manager Dr Ros Clubb welcomed the move, adding that the draft bill marks the next step in what could soon be an outright ban on the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales.



“RSPCA Cymru looks forward to closely scrutinising this bill, and working with the Welsh Government and Assembly Members to ensure this out-dated, harmful practice is consigned to the history books in Wales,” he said. 



“The transient nature of circuses – alongside cramped accommodation and forced training for animals – highlights how inappropriate these settings are for wild animals. Indeed, the RSPCA has campaigned for decades for a ban - and we know the people of Wales support us, with 74 per cent backing an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.



“Some 9,000 people backed an RSPCA petition calling for a ban, and we will now work to ensure their concerns are heard and this legislative process ends with Wales joining the growing list of countries who have furthered animal welfare by bringing an end to this Victorian practice.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.