Legislation started on circus animal ban
The Government has begun work on draft legislation to set out the exact details of the ban on wild animals in circuses set to come into force in England.
The Born Free Foundation, the British Veterinary Association, the Captive Animal's Protection Society and the RSPCA have all welcomed the move, and released a joint statement:
"We will support Government in any way possible to bring about the implementation of such a ban at the earliest possible opportunity.
We remain concerned that, despite repeated requests for clarification by both the circus industry and animal welfare stakeholders, no clear start date for the ban has been set.
We believe that an implementation date for the ban must be announced as soon as possible so that circuses can decide on potential investment in licensing and retirement of animals."