Licensing of animal circuses to go ahead

Posted on the 2nd November 2012

Despite massive opposition from both the public and MPs to the use of wild animals in circuses, the government is still refusing to implement a ban on this exploitation. Following a committee debate in the House of Commons, legislation has instead been approved to ‘regulate’ the use of wild animals in circuses through licensing. Such a scheme is not only expensive, but will fail to protect the welfare of animals.

Inspections have repeatedly failed to discover cases of neglect and abuse in circuses and zoos, and licensing in other countries has also been shown to be inadequate. The scheme is supposedly only a temporary measure, but no definite date has been given as to when the promised ban will be introduced. The licensing legislation will now be put before the House of Lords on Tuesday, November 6th.

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