BVA welcomes ban on wild animals in circuses

The British Veterinary Association has "strongly welcomed" news that travelling circuses will soon be banned from keeping and exhibiting wild animals.

A draft bill codifying the ban in England was published today with the aim of bringing the measures into effect as of December 2015, with the BVA set to consult its members on the legislation once the details are made available.

Although there are only 20 wild animals performing in two licensed circuses in England, the new laws are being introduced in response to changing attitudes to animal welfare issues.

The BVA has been pushing for a ban on wild circus animals for some time as it believes their healthcare needs cannot be met within the environment of a travelling circus, meaning even a licensing scheme would not resolve the problem.

BVA president Peter Jones said: "The welfare of these animals is emblematic of the way we treat all animals and I am heartened that we will soon see the end of the exploitation of these animals."

The organisation is likely to continue to push for a UK-wide ban now that the legislation has been confirmed for England.