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The use of wild animals in circuses across Wales will be banned, Carwyn Jones will announce today.

In a move that brings UK-wide legislation one step closer the first minister will say that a bill will be introduced within the next 12 months.

His announcement has been hailed by animal welfare campaigners, who said it was a “stand to stop circus suffering in Wales”.

Only two circuses featuring wild animals currently operate within the UK.

A statement released this morning from the Welsh Government states: “The way animals are treated is an important reflection of society and over the next 12 months, a bill will be introduced to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses on welfare grounds.”

Animal Defenders International (ADI) that has campaigning to end the suffering of animals in UK circuses for 20 years, said the decision should be welcomed.

(Image: Chester Chronicle)

Jan Creamer, president of ADI, said: “We congratulate the Welsh Government for taking a stand to stop circus suffering in Wales and bringing a UK-wide ban one step closer.

“ADI has documented suffering and abuse in UK circuses for many years. Knowing that only a ban can protect them, we are delighted an end to the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales is finally within sight.”

The group argues that due to the constant travel and the temporary nature of their accommodation circuses on the road cannot cannot provide animals with adequate facilities to keep them physically or psychologically healthy.

The Welsh Government first committed to ban wild animals in circuses back in 2013, stating it would seek an extension to draft legislation published for England by the UK Government.

The bill however was left to gather dust with the UK Government only finally committing in February this year, to act by January 2020.

(Image: Daily Post Wales)

Around the world, 45 countries have already introduced prohibitions on animals in circuses including Scotland and Ireland.

With a Welsh Government-commissioned report published in 2016, finding that “life for wild animals in travelling circuses...does not appear to constitute either a ‘good life’ or a ‘life worth living’ and in support of a ban, it was expected legislation would soon follow.

Consulting the public on the broader issue of mobile animal exhibits last year, the Welsh Government also asked if a ban on wild animals in circuses should be considered.

The response from the public was overwhelming, with the Welsh Government stating that there was “strong support for a ban”.

(Image: Robert Parry-Jones)

Most recently, during a debate in the Senedd in March, Assembly Members unanimously called for urgent action to bring in the ban, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths responding that she was “exploring opportunities to bring forward legislation”.

Changing attitudes and awareness of animal suffering have seen the number of circuses with wild animals in Britain plummet.

Only two remain, Circus Mondao and Peter Jolly’s Circus which are licensed in England and tour Wales.

A third circus with big cats also performed in Wales when owner Thomas Chipperfield was unable to obtain a licence in England, it has remained off the road since.