Demand for government action after circus vote

The Big Stop campaign - help us ban wild animals in circuses in England © RSPCA

24.06.11

We are calling on the government to accept the will of Parliament and the public, and swiftly bring forward plans to ban wild animals from circuses in England.

We are overjoyed that MPs unanimously backed a ban yesterday (Thursday, 23 June), but we are extremely worried by reports that the government may not act on last night’s clear and resounding result.

David Bowles, RSPCA director of communications said:

The government must finally sit up and see sense now.

Any attempt to delay or avoid a complete ban would be wrong-headed and simply not acceptable.

The idea of continuing to pursue a licensing regime would frankly be an insult to both MPs and to the public, and to ignore such a clear result would be outrageous.

Parliament has spoken, and government should listen.

Now the ban must be made law

David added:

Animal welfare experts want a ban, the public wants a ban, and MPs want a ban.

It is time for the government to make good on this vote, and immediately bring forward plans to end the sad spectacle of wild animals performing tricks in circuses.

We have campaigned on this issue for many years. We believe last night's vote should be the start of a new era for the tigers, lions and other majestic animals forced to endure circus life, whose welfare needs have been ignored for far too long.

It is also crucial that the welfare of those wild animals currently in circuses must be considered in the run-up to any ban, and we are also calling on the government to secure their future by ensuring they are retired to suitable homes.

Read more about our campaign to ban wild animals in circuses.

Demand for government action after circus vote

Now the ban must be made law

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