Some huge news coming from England as the Environment Secretary Michael Gove declared that a new bill will ban the use of wild animals in traveling circuses across the country. If the law will pass through, the use of wild animals in circuses in England will be illegal from 2020.
“Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals in the 21st century and I am pleased that this legislation will put an end to this practice for good. Today’s announcement follows other measures we have taken to strengthen our position as a world leader on animal protection. This includes our ban on ivory sales to protect elephants, and delivering Finn’s Law to strengthen the protection of service animals,” Mr. Gove explained.
I know how many people in Dudley South are concerned about the conditions that too many circus animals are kept in. I’m pleased that the Government is taking action to protect these magnificent wild animals. pic.twitter.com/3U4kxa9PpR
— Mike Wood (@mikejwood) May 1, 2019
As expected, the news were more than welcomed by many animal welfare charities.
“We are delighted and relieved that the UK Government is bringing in its promised legislation to ban wild animals in circuses. Animal Defenders International has documented suffering and abuse in UK circuses for more than 20 years and this long-awaited measure will stop circus suffering in England, and take us another step closer to the UK-wide ban the public want and the animals need,” Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International (ADI) said.
After many years of staunch campaigning, the UK Government is finally introducing a Bill to ban the outdated practice of wild animals in #circuses in England. We’re over the moon about this, and can’t wait to see it stopped for good 🎪 #NoFunForAnimals https://t.co/M1Iq9e1wQt pic.twitter.com/2SI9dXyS31
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) May 1, 2019
Maddy Taylor, Campaigns Office of Freedom for Animals, declared:
“For over 60 years Freedom for Animals and our supporters have campaigned against animal circuses. To finally hear the news that the Government have introduced the long overdue Bill to ban the use of wild animals in circuses is such a relief. This ban will finally add England to the many other countries that have committed to banning wild animals in travelling circuses. It is such a joy to see all of the hard work of campaigners paying off and seeing UK bans come into force.”
Chris Draper, Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity at the Born Free Foundation also reacted to the great news. He said:
“After years of waiting for this issue to be resolved, Born Free is delighted that Mr Gove will now bring this Bill forward. The use of wild animals in travelling circuses is outdated and unpopular, and this legislation will bring England into line with a long and increasing list of countries which have banned this practice. Born Free and its supporters have campaigned for a long time for this outcome and we look forward to the swift progress of the Bill through Parliament.”
