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Three quarters of public 'support ban on wild animals in circuses'

Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA Archive/PA Images

The RSPCA Cymru's been surveying our attitude to wild animals in Wales.

It says the term 'wild animal' means different thing to different people. But the charity classes them as those that are not normally domesticated. The list ranges from badgers to nesting birds, and includes pet snakes and elephants in captivity.

Its report found:

  • 74 percent of the public support a ban on wild animals performing in circuses in Wales after hearing that other European countries have banned animal performances in circuses.
  • 72 percent of those polled in Wales support a ban on the keeping of all primates as pet and recommends that the keeping of primates as pets is banned.

It wants more funding to investigate trade in exotic animals and spot checks on animal sanctuaries. It is also calling for a ban on sky lanterns and snares.

It is hoped this report can be a valuable guide to what is happening in Wales with regard to wild animal welfare and means that problems can be identified and addressed, solutions established, and positive learning replicated across different issues.

– Claire Lawson, Assistant director external relations, RSPCA Wales

We in Wales are at the forefront of implementing higher animal welfare standards.

The Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework sets out our vision for continuing and lasting improvements in standards for kept animals whilst also helping to protect public health and contributing to the economy and the environment.

The Framework represents a significant opportunity for us to focus on delivery to achieve the highest standards of animal health and welfare and this indicator report, which contains a snapshot of some of the animal welfare concerns, provides a baseline of available data and recommendations for improvements.

– Rebecca Evans AM, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food