FOUR PAWS and other animal protection groups will boycott a government consultation on licensing the use of wild animals in circuses.
Angelique Davies, Head of Campaigns at FOUR PAWS said: "A licensing scheme for wild animals in circuses will not stop animal suffering. FOUR PAWS is very concerned that a licensing scheme will make very little difference to animals that are kept in small cages and transported up and down the country every year. We do not support the government’s continued pursuit of an inspection and licensing regime for wild animals in circuses. The only way to prevent wild animals from suffering in circuses is a total ban. We hope the government will see sense and implement a ban without delay."
Statement on animal circus consultation from:
Animal Defenders International, Animal Aid, Born Free Foundation, Captive Animals Protection Society, Four Paws, OneKind, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
The undersigned leading animal protection and welfare organisations are dismayed at the Government’s continued pursuit of an inspection and licensing regime for wild animals in travelling circuses despite the clear wishes of the public expressed in Defra’s 2010 consultation, when 94.5% supported a ban. MPs passed a motion in 2011 directing the Government to introduce a ban. The majority of elected politicians have indicated a ban is the reasonable and practical way forward.
The same Defra public consultation gave respondents the option to support either a ban or inspections – only 29.5% supported inspections. This new consultation does not provide that option and is therefore badly designed.
While we welcome the Government’s long-term commitment “to pursue a ban on the use of [wild] animals [in circuses]” we cannot understand how an expensive and ill-conceived licensing regime can be justified, in place of a ban. Responsible animal welfare groups cannot endorse measures that we believe will fail to protect the welfare of animals and are likely to lead to continued, and perhaps increased, suffering of vulnerable animals for years to come.
We have considered the Defra consultation and formed the same opinion – that we will not be taking part in the public consultation on the draft proposals, as we believe they would be a step backwards for animal welfare. Furthermore we are urging our supporters to contact Defra and let the Government know they will not accept such an approach.
23.04.12
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