Compelling evidence that the 'Big top' exploitation of wild animals must
come to an end via the Animal Welfare Bill has been presented to MPs in a new report published by The Born Free Foundation
and the RSPCA.
The report reveals that the welfare of wild animals in the circus cannot be satisfactorily guaranteed
due to the nature of circus life.
The new report exposes:
cramped conditions for wild animals
restricted movement due to tethering or chaining
repeated and extended transportation
repeated loading and unloading
inadequate and unnatural social environments
a lack of privacy for the animals
high noise levels.
Campaigners are now calling on parliament to ensure that an
end to the use of wild animals in circuses is included in the Animal Welfare Bill - currently being debated by a cross-party
Standing Committee of MPs.
Fifteen animal welfare organisations, including Born Free and the RSPCA, have signed a statement
calling for an end to the practice in the UK.
