Wild animals 'to be banned' in UK travelling circuses

Wild animals including tigers, lions and zebras are to be banned from travelling circuses in England after years of campaigning by MPs and animal welfare groups.

According to The Sunday Times (£), the Government is drafting a bill for inclusion in the Queen’s speech to prevent circuses in England using wild animals.

The move follows an outcry over the treatment of Anne, Britain’s last circus elephant, who was secretly filmed being kicked, hit and stabbed by her carer as she stood chained in a barn in 2011. There are 24 wild animals including tigers, lions, zebras and a raccoon still used in circuses in the UK.

The RSPCA and Born Free Foundation will help to rehome circus animals.