Wild animals in circuses to be 'consigned to the history books' as bill passes to ban their use in Wales

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Circuses in Wales will no longer be able to use wild animals for performances Credit: PA

On a "historic day for animals in Wales", a bill has passed banning them from being using in travelling circuses.

The ban comes after a bill was passed by the Senedd on Wednesday 15th July. The bill was introduced just over a year ago, following consultation which saw thousands of members of the public share their views on the subject.

There were more than 6,500 responses to the public consultation on the draft bill, with 97% of respondents supporting the introduction of a ban.

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said the bill will address the "ethical concerns" of people across Wales.

Animal rights campaigner Linda Joyce-Jones launched the petition in 2017 calling on the Welsh Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

"Members from all parties spoke in favour of the ban, calling the practice of using wild animals in travelling circuses 'unethical and an outdated practice'," she said.

"This is a day that at times I thought would never arrive.

"We now face the prospect of a generation of young people growing up in Cymru without seeing a wild animal being forced to perform in a circus ring purely for people's entertainment."

Third sector organisations have also overwhelmingly lobbied for the ban, including the RSCPA.

Claire Lawson, from the charity, said: "The RSPCA is proud to have long campaigned on this issue - and the strength of feeling in all corners of Wales was clear.

"We're delighted this Welsh Government bill has now passed its final legislative hurdle; making a hugely important statement concerning how policy in Wales matches societal norms and values towards our fellow living creatures."