Sharon Hodgson, Member of Parliament for Gateshead East and Washington West, today welcomed the Government’s announcement that wild animals will be banned from being part of travelling circuses. The announcement follows years of campaigning by Sharon and other MPs, who were concerned that wild animals in circuses touring the country were being kept in poor conditions in small cages. During the 2009 touring season there were 38 wild animals in circuses, animals which will now be free from such cruel conditions.

Sharon Hodgson said: “I am thrilled that the Government has finally taken steps to ban animals being part of travelling circuses. The conditions which wild animals faced whilst touring the country were abysmal, and I’m pleased that the Government can add this to a long list of achievements when it comes to animal welfare such as banning fox hunting, cosmetics testing, hare coursing and fur farming.”

Announcing the results of the consultation, Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister for Animal Welfare said:

“I agree with the clear view emerging from the huge response to the government’s consultation that keeping wild animals to perform in travelling circuses is no longer acceptable. So, I am minded to pursue a ban on the use of these animals in circuses.

“We also want to make sure that circus animals are well looked after once they stop performing. Nobody wants to see them simply destroyed, and we will work with all concerned to secure a future for these animals.”