THE TORY-LED GOVERNMENT is stalling on the previous Labour Government’s pledge to ban wild animals in circuses.

The Tory-led Government promised to look into backing a ban last year, but have since made no headway. This is despite a previous Labour Government pledge to ban wild animals in circuses, following a public consultation of around 10,000, of which 94% backed a ban. Furthermore, over 25,000 people have signed a petition presented to Downing Street on 17 May.

Tory Ministers claim that they cannot introduce a ban due to a current European court case – however, there is no such current court case. Instead of a ban, the Tory-led Government are proposing a licensing scheme for wild animals in circuses – a proposal rejected by the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association on animal welfare grounds.

Brighton & Hove Labour & Co-operative Leader, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said:

“I believe it is time we ended this outdated practice of wild animals in circuses.

‘’When the previous Labour Government consulted on the issue last year; 94% of respondents supported a ban on wild animals and we gave a firm commitment to introduce a ban during the General Election. Currently, over 25,000 people have signed a petition calling for a ban.

‘’Instead, the Tory-led Government want a licensing regime, but this approach has been rejected by the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association who both support a ban.

‘’Labour want to see a ban on wild animals in circuses, and will continue to call on the government to think again on this issue.’’

• Wild animals in circuses will be debated in Parliament this Thursday 23^rd June.

• In support of the ban, Labour has launched a website: www.backtheban.com.