Spelman introduces "strict" new animal welfare licensing system for circuses

The government has announced a new licensing regime designed to ensure high welfare standards for travelling performing wild animals in circuses.

According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, “any circuses in England that wish to have wild animals such as tigers, lions and elephants performing in them will need to demonstrate that they meet high animal welfare standards for each animal before they can be granted a licence to keep those animals.”

Under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925, circuses that use animals are required to register with a local authority.

The new licensing system will be brought in under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which covers all kept animals in England including in circuses.

There were an estimated 39 wild animals being used by circuses in the UK in 2009. They include elephants, tigers, lions, camels, zebras and crocodiles. No circuses currently keep an elephant.

Defra said a number of areas were being considered as part of licensing conditions. These include:

• “the rules for transport of the animal, including how long animals can spend being transported without rest periods;
• the type of quarters that must be provided for the animal, including the size of the quarters and the facilities provided, including winter quarters;
• the treatment of animals by trainers and keepers, including performance and the training methods that may be used.”

The government said it would consult on the standards, which will be drawn up following discussion with welfare experts and other interested parties. It also said the scheme would be enforced through inspections by approved vets.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Most circuses choose not to feature wild animals in their shows, and I believe that most people would prefer not to see them performing in circuses.  But where circuses do choose to show wild animals, people expect those animals to be kept in the best possible conditions.

“Circuses won’t be allowed to use wild animals in their performances if they cannot meet these high welfare standards.”