A government consultation could see an end to the use of elephants, tigers and other wild animals in circuses. And you can play a part. After years of lobbying by CAPS and other charities, the consultation is the latest stage in achieving a ban by completing an on-line survey. CAPS has produced a simple information sheet to assist in answering the survey in the best way to support a ban. Contact us for a copy. The consultation deadline is 15th March. The consultation offers three approaches to the controversial issue of transporting animals around the country to perform in the circus ring. CAPS supports the option of banning the use of all wild animals, including zebras, elephants, lions, tigers and snakes. Almost 40 wild animals were used in four British circuses last year. CAPS commented: “A ban would not only benefit the animals currently languishing in circuses but the circus industry too by encouraging the vast majority of the public who oppose animal use to visit shows. Staff currently involved with animal work at circuses could be employed in other areas of the show. “This is the 21st century yet we still have animals being moved all over the UK, chained or caged, beaten and made to perform tricks. It is time this cruelty ended. Regulation, whether by circuses themselves or statutory regulation, is not acceptable and would simply allow animal suffering for entertainment to continue. It would becomes a financial strain and a logistical nightmare for those responsible for enforcing it. "Although CAPS works for an end to the use of ALL animals in circuses, a ban on using wild animals would be a significant step towards that." Last year the Great British Circus caused uproar by importing three elephants from Germany, the first time the species had been imported in over a decade. Workers at the circus were later secretly filmed beating the animals. WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Help end animal circuses