Date of ban still not confirmed 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has demanded that the government confirm a deadline date by which the ban on the use of wild animals in circuses would come into force. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced on 1st March 2012 that a ban would be sought “at the earliest opportunity”, but did not specify a date at the time.

Commenting, the RSPCA’s Chief Executive Gavin Grant said “The question which needs to be asked is: does the government intend to stay true to its word? We have been studying the details of the plans and find them vague and littered with contradictions. Nothing short of a proper ban will safeguard the welfare of these majestic animals. Everyone who cares about these animals agrees. So let’s get on with it.”


At the time of the original announcement, DEFRA also announced the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure that wild animals in circuses are kept to certain welfare standards until such time as a full ban can be brought into force.

Details of a consultation period to allow the general public to offer their input on the licensing scheme may be found here, and the consultation period will close on April 25th 2012.

“PLEASE USE THE LINK ABOVE OR below TO SPEAK UP!  DEFRA want people’s thoughts & opinions on the licensing scheme…PLEASE…Use your voice via the link to tell DEFRA WE WANT A COMPLETE BAN, NOTHING ELSE…You only have until APRIL25th TO SPEAK UP…HAVING DONE THE QUESTIONNAIRE, IF YOU CAN’T THINK OF AN ANSWER…Just write this in every box…BAN WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES…That’s what the British public have always wanted!!

http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/03/01/circus-animals-1203/

This is what Animal Defenders International have to say…

ADI has decided that Defra’s so-called public consultation on regulations on animals in circuses is manipulative in the extreme and designed to give the Government the answer they want, with no choice of options. Defra did not like the answer they got on their genuine consultation (finalised in 2010) where nearly 95% of the public voted for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. They have now put together a set of questions that ensures they get the answer they want, which is to regulate rather than end the suffering of these animals.

The animal circus business has been shown, repeatedly, to tolerate violence towards animals and the conditions that the animals are forced to endure would not be tolerated in the worst zoo. We cannot endorse measures which we do not believe will protect animals. It is a national disgrace, when other countries are taking decisive action on this issue. We urge our supporters to boycott this farce of a consultation.

http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2631&ssi=10

Animal Defenders International (ADI), Four Paws, Animal Aid, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and the BVA (British Veterinary Association) want to see a clear ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Jan Creamer: “We were promised a ban in 2006. This was followed by consultations, expert examinations, working parties, impact assessments and feasibility studies. The last public consultation gave an overwhelming 95% of public in favour of a ban. Yet Defra wants another consultation. Are they going to keep going until they get the answer they want?”

Before the last election there was a Government commitment for a ban, which evaporated after the General Election. Today, the Coalition Government claimed there would be legislation tabled by 2015, by which time there will either be a new Government or we will be in the throws of the election. And this Government will be directly responsible for all of the animal suffering that they have chosen not to end.

http://www.ad-international.org/media_centre/go.php?id=2556&si=12

“Below are just a few of the replies, I received after writing many to varying Government bodies, my MP etc, regards animals abuse & a ban on wild animals in circuses. I received the same red herring that many have spoken about!”

“Below is the link to the petition I started on Care2, to get Anne the elephant moved from her abusive home at  Bobby Roberts Circus;  many were involved but collectively, we succeeded.  Anne now lives a happier more contented life, she will never have to perform again!.” 

“I wanted to show the link to prove a point, which is, when enough people rise up together & use the voices God gave us…we can shout loud enough & be heard. We can help end the suffering of many animals around the world. YOU just have to decide if your going to let your voice be part of the choir, or not!”

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-Annie-stop-abuse-in-circuses/

Out of Control

Posted: 20 October 2011. Updated: 10 November 2011

New report shows animal circuses duped inspectors

http://www.ad-international.org/animals_in_entertainment/go.php?id=2255&cat=7&si=1&ssi=10

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