UK To Ban Wild Animals in Circuses

News Release

Yesterday Defra Minister Ben Bradshaw announced to the House of Commons
that a ban on the use of certain wild animals was being planned for the
UK under the Animal Welfare Bill.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mark Pritchard has asked: What
changes are proposed to animal welfare legislation in Northern Ireland;
and if the Minister will make a statement.

On Tuesday a dramatic billboard, organised by Animal Defenders
International (ADI) calling for a ban on the use of wild animals toured
Belfast before moving on today to Dublin. This is part of a global
campaign by ADI to end the use of animals in travelling circuses. In
Ireland ADI are working with the Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) to
promote the campaign.

Tim Phillips, Campaigns Director of ADI: "This is wonderful news from
Parliament and we are now waiting with bated breath for confirmation
that the prohibition on wild animals in circuses will be effective in
Northern Ireland - we can see no reason not to implement a ban here. We
have always had a very positive response to our campaigns from people in
Northern Ireland, and already councils in Belfast and Moyle have banned
animal circuses from their land.

"The simple fact is that travelling from place to place, with limited
space and long periods on transporters animal welfare will always be
compromised in travelling circuses. We are delighted that Defra have
acknowledged this fundamental problem."

ADI's undercover investigations in the UK are widely credited with
turning public opinion against the use of animals in circuses and
leading ultimately to Defra's statement yesterday. Last year the group
released the findings of investigations into circuses touring Ireland.
The Irish findings included video of an elephant being kicked and
punched and a camel being hit across the face with a broomhandle.