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The use of animals in circus acts has been banned in the capital.

Dublin City Council voted in favour of stopping the practice last night.

The motion for the ban was first introduced by Sinn Fein Councillor, Noeleen Reilly.

The news was welcomed by animal rights activists this morning.

Spokesman for Animal Rights Action Network, John Carmody said: “Thanks to the progressive views of Councillor Noeleen Reilly and those who voted yes at Dublin City Council to the motion, we are now steps nearer to a national ban on the use of animals in Irish circuses.

“With countries all over the world introducing such legislation, Ireland still has much to do to bring our outdated and old-fashioned views of using animals for entertainment into modern century thinking.

"But thankfully we feel that the tide is turning and we welcome the day Irish circuses can thrive with proper artists and acrobats, that way everyone can have fun.

"What is wrong with using animals in circuses? With the very best intentions in the world, a travelling circus is unable to adequately provide for the animals in their care.

"Considering their very nature, they pull up on whatever land is available and use makeshift, collapsible accommodation.

"Animals touring Irish circuses in 2016 include elephants, tigers, camels, horses, ponies, crocodiles, parrots and so many other animals prompting the need for national legislation to ban, outright, any circus using any animals."

Councillor Noeleen Reilly said she was delighted with the support for her motion and has now called on the Minister for Agriculture to introduce legislation to ban wild animal circuses from the state entirely.

Ms Reilly said: “I am delighted my motion was passed. This is a cruel outdated practice that holds no place in modern Ireland.

"Training and torturing animals to perform tricks for our entertainment in an unnatural environment is inhuman and degrading.

"Not only that but animals are chained or caged for up to 24 hours a day and are only let out to perform.

“I want to commend all the local Authorities who have passed similar motions to date and now call on the Minister to listen to what the councils are telling him and to ban this practice from the state immediately."