Wells MP James Heappey has pledged his support to the RSPCA’s campaign to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
It has been revealed 18 wild animals are still used in the UK and Mr Heappey will be supporting the Wild Animals in Circuses Bill in Parliament.
Studies have shown that circus life is likely to have a significantly harmful impact on the welfare of many types of animals and as a result, an increasing number of countries have now introduced bans on the use of wild animals in circuses.
Mr Heappey said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA in campaigning to bring an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, so I find it shocking that this practice is still happening in the UK today. It is time for us to take action.”
Ros Clubb, Senior Scientific Manager for Captive Wild Animals, said: “Wild animals do not belong in the circus. We continue to push the Westminster Government to bring in its manifesto promise to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses in England as we believe these animals cannot be cared for adequately within the current level of regulations.
“Circuses touring with wild animals need to be finally consigned to the history books. In 2018, there's simply no excuse for it.”