Britain to ban wild animals from circuses

 CIRCUSES in Britain will be banned from using wild animals in their shows under new government plans announced today.

 

Lawmakers said they will outlaw the practice at the earliest opportunity, with draft regulations set to come before parliament this northern summer.
In the meantime, the Circus Licensing Scheme will be put in place to improve conditions for animals such as performing elephants, tigers and zebras.
Animal Welfare minister Lord John Taylor said there was "no place in today's society" for wild animals to be used for entertainment in this way.
He said, "We have said many times we wanted to ban this outdated practice, but before we could do that there were serious legal issues we had to consider. We are developing proposals to introduce a bill as soon as parliamentary time allows."
As well as a licence, circus owners will have to demonstrate care and retirement plans for each animal.
Proposed welfare standards cover accommodation, full veterinary care and consideration given to diet and environmental factors such as noise and temperature.
The ban follows revelations last March of the abuse of a circus elephant, Anne, who was filmed being kicked, hit and tied up