PETA Joins Host of Animal Protection Charities Calling on Prime Minister to Ban Wild Animals in Circuses

Posted by on May 31, 2011 | Permalink

PETA, alongside the majority of UK animal protection organisations, has signed a joint letter to David Cameron calling for him to reverse his decision not to ban wild animals in circuses.

The letter, which can be read in full here, was sent to Mr Cameron in advance of a debate in Parliament scheduled for next Wednesday. The debate has been secured by Labour MP Rob Flello, and MPs from all parties will be in attendance to put pressure on the government to reverse the decision not to implement a ban.

Life for wild animals in the circus often means poor care; chronic health problems; abusive treatment; psychological disorders (characterised by stereotypical behaviour such as pacing, rocking and swaying) and premature death. Travelling circuses by their very nature involve confining animals to cages or boxcars for hours on end as they are carted across the country.  When not confined, the animals are forced to do tricks that are totally unnatural to them through fear of reprisal. The only way to protect these animals from further suffering and to prevent more animals suffering a similar fate is for the government to implement a complete ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Please contact your MP ahead of Wednesday’s debate and urge your representative to use his or her influence to pressure the government to take action. Animals desperately need your help – please contact your MP today.