Wild animals ban for circuses

THE use of wild animals in circuses will be banned in Ireland from January.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has signed new regulations banning the practice.

He said: ‘The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted. This is the general view of the public at large and a position I am happy to endorse.’

The minister described the move as progressive and said that it was reflective of the Government’s commitment to animal welfare.

Mr Creed said that while he appreciated the care and concern circus operators and owners had for their animals, ‘the ability of a travelling circus to provide fully for all the needs of animals such as camels or tigers is no longer a tenable proposition.’

John Carmody of Animal Rights Action Network said the group spent over 20 years fighting for the use of wild animals to be banned in circuses.

‘The minister said that the regulations will be implemented from January 1, 2018, to allow ‘a modest lead in period to allow for alternative arrangements to be made for the animals in question’.

He said: ‘We thank the Irish public who backed the campaign, local councillors around the country who introduced local council bans and the people who voted with their wallets and steered clear of animal-act circus.

‘We thank Minister Creed but he must now work to end fur farms, puppy farms and hare coursing. Today is a great day.’

Elisa Allen, director of Peta said: ‘Bravo to Michael Creed for bringing Ireland in line with dozens of other countries including Austria, Belgium, Mexico, and the Netherlands.’

Ms Allen said that circus animals are stressed and depressed from a lifetime of being denied the opportunity to do what is natural to them and PETA hopes that this decision prompts other countries to follow suit.