BURNHAM-on-Sea MP James Heappey has pledged his support to an RSPCA campaign to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
It has been revealed 18 wild animals are still used in circuses in the UK and Mr Heappey will be supporting the Wild Animals in Circuses Bill in Parliament.
The Burnham MP said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA in campaigning to bring an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, so I find it shocking that this practice is still happening in the UK today. It is time for us to take action.”
Studies have shown that circus life is likely to have a significantly harmful impact on the welfare of many types of animals and as a result, an increasing number of countries have now introduced bans on the use of wild animals in circuses.
Ros Clubb, Senior Scientific Manager for Captive Wild Animals, said: “Wild animals do not belong in the circus. We continue to push the Westminster Government to bring in its manifesto promise to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here