Roll up, roll up to the RSPCA circus tent!

25.08.11

Call to ban wild animals in circuses in Wales

Visitors to RSPCA Cymru's inflatable dome at the Cardiff Harbour Festival this August bank holiday weekend, 27 to 29 August, will be encouraged to sign a petition calling on the Welsh Government to ban wild animals in circuses in Wales.

Claire Lawson, RSPCA external affairs manager for Wales, said:

The RSPCA wants to see a complete end to the use of non-domesticated wild animals in circuses in Wales.

Circuses using wild animals for public entertainment continue to travel and perform in Wales. Wild animals used include crocodiles, zebras, lions and tigers.

Unless the law is changed to reflect public opinion, there is nothing to stop these circuses and others like them exploiting animals in this way. There are no wild animal circuses currently based in Wales, but this may not always be the case.

Scientific research has shown that circus life can have a harmful effect on many species, causing stress and suffering due to close confinement, abnormal social groups, unnatural environment, and exposure to forced movement, frequent travel, human handling and noise.

Circus theme

The stand at Roald Dahl Plass will also be offering daily circus skills classes between 12-3pm led by NoFitState Circus performers to tie in with the stands campaign theme of banning wild animals in circuses in Wales.

In keeping with the circus theme, giveaways on the stand will include stickers, red noses, key rings and branded juggling balls, and there will also be colouring-in activities for children.

 

Working for the welfare of wild animals in Wales

Visitors to the RSPCA stand at Cardiff Harbour Festival can sign our petition to ban wild animals in circuses in Wales on the stand.

Or, if you live in Wales, you can sign the petition online by visiting: www.politicalanimal.org.uk/wales/wild