Shropshire MPs on opposing sides in circus animals debate
Thursday 23rd June 2011, 3:53PM BST.
The Government was today due to be confronted with a cross-party alliance calling for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, as a group of celebrities penned an open letter to the Prime Minister over the issue.
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard has secured and is spearheading a Commons debate on the contentious issue of wild animal shows.
He also has the backing of high profile celebrities including comedian Ricky Gervais and Queen superstar Brian May who have signed an open letter to David Cameron calling for a complete ban
However, the Government is opposed to an outright ban, which means Ludlow MP Philip Dunne – an assistant Government whip – will be urging MPs to vote against the move, placing him in direct conflict with his county Tory colleague.
The Government fears being sued by circus owners using human rights laws if it goes ahead with a ban.
Ministers would prefer to strengthen the existing Animal Welfare Act.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is proposing a licensing scheme run by local authorities to ensure all wild animals in circuses are kept healthy, plus inspections to monitor circuses.
Only a handful of circuses in England keep wild animals such as tigers and elephants and zebras.
But Mr Pritchard thinks the practice is “outdated and cruel” and has tabled a motion condemning the use of wild animals in circuses.
He said: “I hope the Government will not whip against my motion.
“There is overwhelming public support for a ban.
“This nation has been known around the world for its love of animals.
“Allowing the continuation of the exploitation of wild animals in travelling circuses will undermine our reputation of animal lovers.”
Should MPs vote for a ban it will not pass into law but would increase pressure on the Government to act.
By London Reporter Sunita Patel
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I commend Mark Pritchard and I truly hope that his efforts are rewarded. I for one am sick of the fact that the UK still allows this atrocity to occur. I totally support a ban and hope to see it put in place soon.
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I also support the ban, if you need to see a circus make sure it has human acts only please.
In the year 2011 we still treat our fellow animals with cruelty and ignorance and what is so sad is that lots of people just do not care.
Well done Mr Pritchard.
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I just hope that a complete ban is possible, no half measures, I know the animals now can not be released back into the wild but give them back some part of a normal life in a game reserve rather that a cage and circus ring.
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I’m not usually aligned with this MP, but have to congratulate him on his actions, especially standing upto a bullying Prime Minister’s office (& pm or did he not (now) know what decisions were made on his behalf?) when it would have been easier to shut up and accept offers. (offers.. dodgy or what!)
It seems the secret to win against this lot is to go into detail, they don’t ‘do’ detail. Not doing detail is a mistake in the long run.
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