BVA calls for renewed focus on ban for wild animals in circuses

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has expressed disappointment about the omission of a proposed ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses from the final Queen's Speech of the current parliament.

A government commitment to the policy was made in 2012 and a draft bill was introduced last year, but there was no mention of the planned law in the latest address from Her Majesty this week.

The BVA, which has been campaigning for an end to the use of wild animals in travelling circuses for some time, says there is significant public and political support for the ban, meaning there is no reason for it to drop off the agenda.

It urged the central government to find parliamentary time to bring forward the bill for debate and to work with the devolved nations to secure a ban across the whole of the UK.

BVA president Robin Hargreaves said: "We believe the welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within the environment of a travelling circus, especially in terms of accommodation and the ability to express normal behaviour."

For similar reasons, the organisation is also currently lobbying for a new law prohibiting the keeping of primates as private pets in the UK.