RSPCA calls for circus wild animal ban date
Image: JUSNews.co.uk
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has demanded that the government confirm a deadline date by which the ban on the use of wild animals in circuses would come into force. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced on 1st March 2012 that a ban would be sought “at the earliest opportunity”, but did not specify a date at the time.
Commenting, the RSPCA's Chief Executive Gavin Grant said "The question which needs to be asked is: does the government intend to stay true to its word? We have been studying the details of the plans and find them vague and littered with contradictions. Nothing short of a proper ban will safeguard the welfare of these majestic animals. Everyone who cares about these animals agrees. So let's get on with it."
At the time of the original announcement, DEFRA also announced the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure that wild animals in circuses are kept to certain welfare standards until such time as a full ban can be brought into force. Details of a consultation period to allow the general public to offer their input on the licensing scheme may be found here, and the consultation period will close on April 25th 2012.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
