Ricky Gervais: Circus Animals Have 'Suffered Long Enough'

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Ricky Gervais and Judy Dench are the latest celebrities to join the fight to ban the use of animals at the circus in Britain.

“The British government needs to stop stalling and bring the ban into law,” said comedian and animal lover Gervais. “Animals deserve our respect and compassion and, for those currently subjected to a life in the circus, they need action to be taken. They have suffered long enough. I support Animal Defenders International’s campaign to stop circus suffering.”

Dame Judy Dench echoed Gervais’ feelings, citing other countries that have banned animals from performing in circuses around the world.

“It is unbelievable that there is still no ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. 27 countries around the world have taken action on this issue, so why haven’t we?,” she stated.

The issue of banning animals at circuses has been discussed by the British government since 2011 after an ADI investigation showed the cruelty a circus elephant was put through. The government first announced it would approve the ban in early 2012 but has delayed it since. Surveys show that 94 percent of respondents support the ban, an all time high for the cause.

The government said in April that it will eventually ban the “outdated practice” but ADI wants the process to be expedited. As former Labour Defra Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP introduces a new bill to ban animals like elephants, tigers, lions and monkeys in circuses today, veteran actor Brian Blessed will be alongside ADI outside of the Parliament to support him.

“It’s about time the government stopped making promises and started taking action for our animals,” he said. “Let’s do the right thing and ban this practice now.”

Blessed, Gervais and Dench join a list of another 75 celebrities including Paul McCartney, Moby and Twiggy that support ADI’s efforts to free wild animals from slave labor at the circus.

Via Look to the Stars

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