MP who led backbench call for ban remains sceptical as ministers unveil plans for licensing regime to precede legislation

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

Travelling circuses will be banned from using wild animals in their shows, the government has announced.

Ministers unveiled plans on Thursday to outlaw the "outdated" practice through new legislation at the "earliest opportunity".

A tough licensing regime will be brought in to improve conditions for performing animals while changes in the law are developed.

Animal welfare minister Lord Taylor said: "There is no place in today's society for wild animals being used for our entertainment in travelling circuses. Wild animals deserve our respect.

"We have said many times we wanted to ban this outdated practice, but before we could do that there were serious legal issues we had to consider.

"We are developing proposals to introduce a bill as soon as parliamentary time allows.

"In the meantime we are introducing a circus licensing scheme to ensure decent conditions for wild animals in travelling circuses."

It comes after a push for action following allegations of mistreatment of a circus elephant, Anne, last year.

MPs backed a blanket ban last June and, though it was non-binding, it was highly embarrassing for the government. Downing Street later signalled it would bow to pressure over the demands. But it warned that the government could be left open to lawsuits from circus owners and workers.

That is a hurdle that is still likely to make progress of the ban slow.

Tory MP Mark Pritchard, who led last year's backbench call for a ban, claimed at the time he had been threatened by the prime minister's office unless he backed down.

He said: "Any licensing scheme should also guarantee that no new wild animals are imported into UK circuses.

"Quite frankly, I don't believe the government when they say they will move towards a ban.

"I don't trust No 10 on the issue. I will believe it when I see it, but I am not holding my breath. Time will tell if I am right."

A consultation on the new welfare licences was launched on Thursday and the regulations are expected to come into force by the summer.

Anyone responsible for a travelling circus that uses wild animals in a performance will need to hold a valid licence, meet strict welfare standards and have a retirement plan for each animal.

They will also need to provide proper accommodation, full veterinary care, a good diet and high welfare standards during training and performances.

A dedicated government-appointed inspector, paid for by the circuses, will ensure rules are met, officials said.

The government said it would work with any circus owner that decides they do not want to keep their wild animals.

Between 35 and 50 wild animals, including tigers, camels, zebras and snakes, are thought to be used in circuses. Elephants are no longer kept in circuses in the UK.

Jan Creamer, chief executive of Animal Defenders International, who exposed the abuse of Anne the elephant last year, accused the government of "stalling".

She said: "In the last government consultation, 95% of the public called for a ban on wild animal acts. We have had impact assessments and feasibility studies, but it seems to us that the government will just keep changing the question until they get the answer they want.

"It is appalling that public and parliamentary wishes are cast aside in such a cavalier manner."