Member News
By Tony Grew - 19th May 2011
Actor Brian Blessed has called on the government to "do the honourable thing" and introduce a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
The issue blew up into a political storm in the Commons today when Defra minister Jim Paice came to the House to answer an urgent question.
He apologised for statements made last week by himself and environment secretary Caroline Spelman.
They both told the Commons that a court case being brought against the Austrian government by a circus owner would rule whether an outright ban contravenes the EU services directive.
Today Paice said that case is not active, but another legal challenge is being sought by the European Circus Association.
In the meantime the British government plans a tough new licensing regime for wild circus animals that would protect them from ill-treatment.
"The advice from our lawyers is that the ban could well be inconsistent with the EU services directive," he told the House.
Blessed said today that he backs Animal Defenders International's calls for an outright ban.
"We have presented them with strong evidence and now proved that no legal challenge exists in Austria," he said.
"It is now time for them to get on with it and ban the use of wild animals in circuses - period."
Jan Creamer, chief executive of ADI said: "ADI revealed yesterday, at a meeting with the minister, that there was no legal challenge involving the Austrian government's circus ban under EU law.
"We're pleased that the government has at least admitted that the initial comments made were incorrect.
"However, it is now being claimed that these court proceedings have been delayed, with a case in preparation.
"The fact is that there has been no movement whatsoever on the proposed court case in question since 2009, therefore they really are clutching at straws.
"This issue has been avoided for far too long now.
"The government needs to stop pontificating and get on with implementing a ban, which is what the public wants, politicians want, and animal welfare groups want.
"There have been more exposés of the brutality of the circus industry in the UK than any country in the world.
"It’s time to be a strong and decisive government and do the right thing to protect animals from suffering."
The British Veterinary Association has also expressed "dismay" at the government's stance and backed calls for a ban on wild animals in circuses.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.