Campaigners celebrate as the British Parliament finally bans the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in England from January 2020.

Ministers have been promising to implement a ban for five years, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed in 2018 that new legislation would come into place by 19 January 2020.

Today, campaigners are celebrating after the British Parliament finally banned the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in England from January 2020.

Following over 20 years of investigations and campaigns by Animal Defenders International (ADI), the Wild Animals in Circuses (No. 2) Bill passed its third, and final, reading today in the House of Lords.

The move follows the likes of Scotland, Wales and Ireland in banning the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

Speaking about the landmark decision in a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International said: “I am delighted that Parliament has finally banned wild animals in circuses and we can draw a line under this archaic abuse in England, Scotland (where there is already a ban), and soon I hope in Wales.

“There has been overwhelming public support for a ban since Animal Defenders International began exposing the horrific cruelty and abuse behind the scenes of British circuses of animals like chimpanzee Trudy, Anne the elephant, and far too many others. I am delighted that England is finally catching up with over 40 countries that have already passed such bans.”

However, whilst the move should be celebrated as The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill means that circus operators in England will no longer be able to use wild animals as part of a travelling circus, some of the animals that will still be allowed to perform include reindeer, zebras and camels. Animals such as horses, donkeys and dogs which will still be allowed to perform under the new legislation will continue to be inspected regularly by officials.

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