Circuses featuring performances by wild animals are set to be banned from performing on land which is owned by Powys County Council.

The council’s licensing committee is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the authority’s policy on the use of wild animals in a circus environment.

Sue King, the council’s animal health officer, has recommended the committee prohibits the use of council land for circuses with the animals to promote the welfare of wild animals.

Her report says: “The RSPCA has written to Welsh local authorities with a request that consideration is given to preventing the use of council land by travelling circuses which use wild animals in their performance.

“The RSPCA contend that all captive animals should enjoy at the very least minimum welfare standards aimed at ensuring a quality of life as good as can be reasonably achieved in the type of regime in which they are held. They argue that the life of circus animals can be both harsh and demanding.”

Mrs King said there are 35 wild animals used in circuses in the UK, including an elephant, eight camels, seven tigers and two crocodiles.

The report adds: “According to a recent poll, 76 per cent of the Welsh public support a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses and the outcome of this was confirmed by a recent public opinion poll, which put the figure at 79 per cent.”

A spokesman for the Association of Circus Proprietors said: “Animals are a popular part of a circus for many members of the public. While there are people opposed to the concept of performing animals their use continues to be lawful.”

Mrs King’s report urges the committee to recommend the council adopts the ban on use on council land.