Written question asked by Richard Burden (Labour) on Friday, 23 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 October 2009. It was answered by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Monday, 2 November 2009 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Circuses: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

Answer: Wild animals used in travelling circuses are protected by The Animal Welfare Act 2006, which prevents unnecessary cruelty or suffering to any vertebrate animal. The Act makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. This includes the need: for a suitable environment (place to live); for a suitable diet; to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable); and to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.A Feasibility Study is currently under way looking at the possibility of regulating wild animal acts in travelling circuses. The Feasibility Study is nearing completion and I intend to review the findings carefully.

Secondary information