WILD ANIMALS IN CIRCUSES

Early day motion 2179, tabled 27 October 2009 by Mark Pritchard (Conservative). Signed by 96 members.

That this House notes with concern that current legislation fails to protect wild animals in circuses; is appalled that this had led to serious abuse such as the one revealed by Animal Defenders International's investigation in the Great British Circus, which shows violence against and the confinement of elephants; reminds the Government that it has repeatedly committed itself before this House to ban certain species of wild animals in circuses; further notes with disappointment that no substantial proposal has been yet made by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and once again urges the Government to maintain its commitment to ban the use of wild species in travelling circuses, and to restrict and limit the use of domesticated species under a strict, accountable and open licensing system.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Liberal Democrat 23, Conservative 10, Independent 4, DUP 3, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.