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Wild circus animals will finally be banned, the Government revealed today.

The remaining 19 beasts currently entertaining crowds include six reindeer, four zebras, three camels, three raccoons, a zebu cattle, a macaw and a fox.

But they will not be allowed in circuses after the end of next year, ministers revealed.

The move was quietly slipped out on the Environment Department's (Defra) website tonight.

A post implementation review update to The Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012 says: "The Government intends to ensure a legislative ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses is in place by the time the Regulations expire in January 2020.”

It adds: “The current regulations expire on 19 January 2020.

“The Government does not intend to renew the regulations as it intends to ensure that a legislative ban is introduced by then.

“The regulations will then be allowed to expire.”

(Image: REUTERS)

RSPCA public affairs chief David Bowles said: “The news that the Government has said there will be no wild animals in circuses in England after the 2019 season or earlier is very welcome and comes as a huge relief.

“It’s been a long time coming.

“This announcement gives circuses a clear two-year warning that no more licences will be issued and after that there will be a ban on wild animals in circuses.

“The complex needs of wild animals can never be adequately met in a circus environment and regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance are all unavoidable realities for the animals.

“The RSPCA is keen to work with the circus industry to make arrangements for the best possible retirements for the wild animals.”

A Defra spokeswoman said: “We remain absolute in our commitment to banning wild animals in circuses and intend to introduce the ban prior to the regulations expiring in January 2020.“Until we are able to achieve this, we will impose the strictest possible standards to ensure the welfare needs of these animals are met.”ENDS​