The Stage

‘Little evidence’ to support wild animals ban in travelling shows

Published Tuesday 4 December 2007 at 16:05 by Alistair Smith

Leading figures from the circus industry have welcomed the publication of a government-commisioned, independent report claiming there is no scientific evidence to support a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling shows.

Animal rights and welfare campaigners have long claimed that non-domesticated animals should not be used in circuses and the government has previously stated that it was looking to introduce a ban on certain species.

However, a report by the Circus Working Group, commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and involving representatives from animal rights and welfare groups and members of the circus industry, found that “there appears to be little evidence to demonstrate that the welfare of animals kept in travelling circuses is any better or worse than that of animals kept in other captive environments”.

Chaired by Mike Radford, reader in animal welfare law at Aberdeen University, the group instead recommended that greater regulation be imposed on the sector to protect animals, a move which is supported by the circus industry itself.

Chris Barltrop, who served as chair of the industry sub-group on the CWG, said that the circus representatives who had been involved in the consultation were “delighted” at the report and “pleased that the scientists state that there is no scientific evidence to support a ban on any species of wild animal”.

Meanwhile, Martin Burton, director of Zippos Circus, which does not currently use any wild animals, said that the industry felt vindicated by the results of the report.

He told The Stage: “I’m not in favour of banning any wild animals. However, things should be regulated. There should be modern regulation for all species of animals and it should be strictly enforced. What we now need to do is to reassure the public that there is no moral objection - and we must explain to the public very clearly the difference between animal welfare and animal rights.

He added: “Is it not a little strange that after more than 50 years of campaigning against animals in circuses, and raising millions upon millions of pounds in the process, the animal rights industry were unable to field any credible or scientific evidence to support their argument?”

Secretary of State for Environment Hilary Benn said that the government would now consider the findings of the report before deciding whether or not to push forward with a ban.

He added: “I fully acknowledge that there is a strong body of opinion, both in Parliament and amongst the wider public, in favour of a ban. The government will now want to hear reactions to the report and consider its position.”

There are currently fewer than 50 non-domesticated animals involved in travelling circuses in the UK. These include one touring, but retired, elephant, seven tigers and two crocodiles. The report, entitled Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses, only addressed the welfare of animals in travelling, not building-based circuses, which are covered by different regulations.