ANIMAL DEFENDERS AND CIRCUS ANIMALS

Early day motion 787, tabled 12 February 1998 by Joan Humble (Labour). Signed by 220 members.

That this House congratulates the investigators working for Animal Defenders for the excellent and thorough report, The Ugliest Show on Earth, detailing appalling abuse and cruelty inflicted on circus animals by keepers and other circus people; is horrified that such gratuitous cruelty occurs in this day and age; is deeply concerned about the threat to public safety from escaped circus animals caused by inadequately constructed housing and exercise facilities; notes that circuses exist in a legal loophole, inadequately regulated, licensed and inspected; and calls for a ban on the use of animals in travelling circuses and the extension of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 to cover the permanent holding facilities thus regulating staffing, housing, food and other welfare issues, public safety, hygiene, breeding, transport, sale and other disposal of the animals.

Signatures by party: Labour 158, Liberal Democrat 33, Conservative 10, Labour/Co-operative 9, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, DUP 1, UUP 1, Unknown 1.