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Vitalux
15th October 2013, 13:21
This is certainly some wonderful news for those who advocate respect and love for animals. I know it is a bit of an old news item but something that helps to show that people do care.
:hug:



http://positivenews.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/c-Flickr-member-Werner-Vermaak_LOW_RES1-385x250.jpg

Travelling circuses in England will be banned from using wild animals under new government proposals


Circuses will be banned from using wild animals in their shows under new government proposals that have been published after a long campaign.

Politicians and animal welfare groups have repeatedly called for the measure and in June 2011 MPs overwhelmingly supported a blanket ban, but ministers were initially reluctant to meet their demands due to fears over possible legal action from circus operators.

The government's plan will make it an offence for any operator to use a wild animal in performance or exhibition in a travelling circus in England from 1 December 2015.

The agriculture minister David Heath told MPs: "This 'grace period' is to allow operators of travelling circuses a reasonable period of time to adapt their businesses and organise suitable care arrangements for their wild animals."

Under the terms of the draft wild animals in circuses bill the ban will cover any creature not normally domesticated in Great Britain.

The government has already introduced strict regulations to improve conditions for performing animals until the law is changed.

Tory Mark Pritchard, whose backbench motion in 2011 calling for a ban was passed without a vote in the Commons, welcomed the announcement.

He said: "I am delighted the government have finally decided to introduce a ban.

"This is a victory for animal welfare and common sense – and proves that politicians who have belief, stick to their principles, and persevere despite hostile opposition, can still shape events."

Source : http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/16/circuses-banned-using-wild-animals

avid
15th October 2013, 13:52
Best thing is not to use animals at all!

MorningSong
15th October 2013, 14:08
Yes, avid. It's strange that the article uses the expression "wild animals", yet in the circus environs, one could debate if their animals (no longer in the wild) have been domesticated... or not.

What about little dogs in clown suits jumping through hulla-hoop rings or acrobats doing headstands on camel humps as they trot in circles.... I personally wouldn't know where to draw the line. I've only been to 3 circus' in my whole life and the best parts for me were when there were animals... and seeing the amazing things they can (be trained to) do. IMO, if they are trained by humans, they are no longer "wild" and wouldn't have a chance in the "wild" and maybe not even in a safari zoo.

WhiteFeather
15th October 2013, 14:27
I think they should replace the circus animals with us primitive humans. Paybacks a bitch. ;)