Menu
17/04/2013
Long Calls For NI Wild Animals Circus Ban
East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long has welcomed news of a ban on wild animals in circuses in England, saying she hopes it will be introduced in Northern Ireland.
The ban was initially announced following an oral question tabled by Ms Long in the House of Commons in March 2012.
But Alliance says campaigners were concerned that "the move to introduce regulations would be as a replacement for the promised ban rather than a interim measure".
The east Belfast MP signed an Early Day Motion on the subject and has lobbied the Agriculture Minister, Michele O’Neill to follow suit.
Naomi Long MP said: "We have seen a number of individual cases of wild animals being mistreated in circuses, which I know so many people were disgusted with. However, even if they are not being mistreated or wilfully neglected, a circus is no place for them as their welfare and other needs cannot be met in such an environment.
"I have lobbied extensively on this issue and I know that so many of the campaigners are overjoyed at seeing draft legislation produced; a commitment placed in writing. It is over a year ago that the Government announced this forthcoming legislation in response to a question I tabled and they have kept their word that the ban will come into force before the end of this Parliament in 2015."
Ms Long continued: "While this legislation will only affect England, I hope that it will act as a model for the Minister of Agriculture in Northern Ireland, Michele O’Neill, to implement a similar ban here. She had previously stated that she would be willing to implement a ban but would have to review the legal position in light of any developments in the UK or Ireland. Now that Westminster has published this draft legislation, I will be pressing her to follow suit in the Assembly.
"As a member of Belfast City Council, I proposed a ban on wild animal circuses using council property and there are a number of other local Councils that have taken similar decisions; however, only a complete ban in legislation will stop this practice completely."
Circuses in England will be prohibited from using wild animals in their shows from the beginning of December 2015.
(IT/CD)
The ban was initially announced following an oral question tabled by Ms Long in the House of Commons in March 2012.
But Alliance says campaigners were concerned that "the move to introduce regulations would be as a replacement for the promised ban rather than a interim measure".
The east Belfast MP signed an Early Day Motion on the subject and has lobbied the Agriculture Minister, Michele O’Neill to follow suit.
Naomi Long MP said: "We have seen a number of individual cases of wild animals being mistreated in circuses, which I know so many people were disgusted with. However, even if they are not being mistreated or wilfully neglected, a circus is no place for them as their welfare and other needs cannot be met in such an environment.
"I have lobbied extensively on this issue and I know that so many of the campaigners are overjoyed at seeing draft legislation produced; a commitment placed in writing. It is over a year ago that the Government announced this forthcoming legislation in response to a question I tabled and they have kept their word that the ban will come into force before the end of this Parliament in 2015."
Ms Long continued: "While this legislation will only affect England, I hope that it will act as a model for the Minister of Agriculture in Northern Ireland, Michele O’Neill, to implement a similar ban here. She had previously stated that she would be willing to implement a ban but would have to review the legal position in light of any developments in the UK or Ireland. Now that Westminster has published this draft legislation, I will be pressing her to follow suit in the Assembly.
"As a member of Belfast City Council, I proposed a ban on wild animal circuses using council property and there are a number of other local Councils that have taken similar decisions; however, only a complete ban in legislation will stop this practice completely."
Circuses in England will be prohibited from using wild animals in their shows from the beginning of December 2015.
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2013
Alliance Calls For Wild Animals Circus Ban
Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly has reiterated his call for a ban on circus acts using wild animals in Northern Ireland. The Antrim Councillor made the announcement in anticipation of Duffy's Circus arriving in Antrim next week.
Alliance Calls For Wild Animals Circus Ban
Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly has reiterated his call for a ban on circus acts using wild animals in Northern Ireland. The Antrim Councillor made the announcement in anticipation of Duffy's Circus arriving in Antrim next week.
01 February 2013
Community Service Sentence For Indecent Assault
The former administrator of Newry Cathedral has pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault of a teenage girl. Father Terrence Rafferty, of Chestnut Grove, Newry, was sentenced to 100 hours community service, a three-year probation order and has been banned from working with children or vulnerable adults for 10 years.
Community Service Sentence For Indecent Assault
The former administrator of Newry Cathedral has pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault of a teenage girl. Father Terrence Rafferty, of Chestnut Grove, Newry, was sentenced to 100 hours community service, a three-year probation order and has been banned from working with children or vulnerable adults for 10 years.
09 February 2011
'Ban Animal Circus Acts' Says Naomi
The East Belfast MP, Naomi Long is continuing to campaign for a ban on wild animals in circuses.
'Ban Animal Circus Acts' Says Naomi
The East Belfast MP, Naomi Long is continuing to campaign for a ban on wild animals in circuses.
17 October 2005
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
16 September 2019
Pensioner Hospitalised Following Robbery In North Belfast
A woman in her 80s was taken to hospital after being pushed to the ground in a robbery in North Belfast. The incident happened near the Cliftonville Circus area of the Oldpark Road at around 7.25am on Saturday, 14 September.
Pensioner Hospitalised Following Robbery In North Belfast
A woman in her 80s was taken to hospital after being pushed to the ground in a robbery in North Belfast. The incident happened near the Cliftonville Circus area of the Oldpark Road at around 7.25am on Saturday, 14 September.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
