Powys latest council in region to ban wild animals in circuses

Last week Powys County Council decided to implement the ban in a move which has been welcomed by local Assembly Member, Russell George.

The council is the last in the region to ban the use of wild animals for entertainment on their land.

Shrewsbury Town Council imposed the ban more than five years ago and Telford & Wrekin have also implemented the ban.

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In all three areas, domesticated animals such as horses and dogs, are allowed to perform for the audiences' enjoyment.

Mike Cox, outdoor recreation and asset manager for Shrewsbury Town Council said: "We have long had a ban on allowing wild animals such as lions and tigers to be used on our land. We do have circuses in the Quarry and we do allow them to use domesticated animals, such as horses and in one case budgies. In events such as the Flower Show, we permit the use of domesticated animals.

A spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council said: “Telford & Wrekin Council doesn’t allow circuses that include animals, to take place on council-owned land or on any sites where a venue is operated on behalf of the council with the exception of domesticated animals.

“Shows which show the working of, or demonstration of, working animals, livestock or pets, may be allowed to take place on council land providing events satisfy the council’s requirements for safety and suitability and must provide details of relevant licenses. We work to DEFRA requirements.”

From now on, circuses using non domestic and/or wild animals will be prohibited from hiring any Powys County Council owned land and that Powys Council’s properties and services will be prevented from advertising circuses using non-domestic and/ or wild animals.

Powys County Council has also resolved to lobby the Welsh Government to commit to banning the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales, by bringing forward the proposed legislative ban at its earliest opportunity.

Mr George conducted a public consultation on the proposed ban on the use of wild animals in circuses during the summer at various summer shows throughout Montgomeryshire, attracting widespread public support.

Following the County Council's decision, Mr George said: "These types of circuses and their shows have no place here in Powys whatsoever. I now firmly believe that the use of wild animals in circuses must be banned across the whole of Wales.

"Earlier this year, the Welsh Government confirmed that they would be "exploring opportunities to bring forward legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales" but this needs to happen now and without delay.

There are currently no legal barriers to prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales.