01/03/2012
Wild Animals To Be Banned From Circuses
Wild animals including tigers, camels and zebra’s are to be banned from use in British circuses within two years. A new license will also be introduced to help immediately improve animal welfare as the new law is developed.
The moves come after the mistreatment of a circus elephant called Anne was caught on camera.
Amid rumours of a potential backbench rebellion MP’s backed a blanket ban last June. MP Mark Pritchard, who led calls for the ban, claimed he was threatened by the Prime Ministers office unless he backed down.
"Any licensing scheme should also guarantee that no new wild animals are imported into UK circuses.” He said, “Quite frankly I don't believe the Government when they say they will move towards a ban. I don't trust Number 10 on the issue. I will believe it when I see it. But I am not holding my breath. Time will tell if I am right."
Chief executive of Animal Defenders International, Jan Creamer, accused the government of stalling. She said: “In the last government consultation, 95% of the public called for a ban on wild animal acts, we have had impact assessments and feasibility studies, but it seems to us that the Government will just keep changing the question until they get the answer they want. It is appalling that public and parliamentary wishes are cast aside in such a cavalier manner."
(H/GK)
The moves come after the mistreatment of a circus elephant called Anne was caught on camera.
Amid rumours of a potential backbench rebellion MP’s backed a blanket ban last June. MP Mark Pritchard, who led calls for the ban, claimed he was threatened by the Prime Ministers office unless he backed down.
"Any licensing scheme should also guarantee that no new wild animals are imported into UK circuses.” He said, “Quite frankly I don't believe the Government when they say they will move towards a ban. I don't trust Number 10 on the issue. I will believe it when I see it. But I am not holding my breath. Time will tell if I am right."
Chief executive of Animal Defenders International, Jan Creamer, accused the government of stalling. She said: “In the last government consultation, 95% of the public called for a ban on wild animal acts, we have had impact assessments and feasibility studies, but it seems to us that the Government will just keep changing the question until they get the answer they want. It is appalling that public and parliamentary wishes are cast aside in such a cavalier manner."
(H/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 April 2013
Wild Animals Banned From Circuses
New government proposals will see the use of wild animals in circuses banned, following a long campaign by politicians and animal welfare groups. In June 2011 MPs overwhelmingly supported a blanket ban, but ministers were initially reluctant to meet their demands due to fears over possible legal action from circus operators.
Wild Animals Banned From Circuses
New government proposals will see the use of wild animals in circuses banned, following a long campaign by politicians and animal welfare groups. In June 2011 MPs overwhelmingly supported a blanket ban, but ministers were initially reluctant to meet their demands due to fears over possible legal action from circus operators.
03 July 2013
PHE Launch Resistant E. Coli Investigation
Public Health England has launched a UK-wide investigation into the spread of an antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli. With experts warning there is a growing risk in hospitals, the study will look at the spread of the resistant strain in healthy people, patients, farm animals, sewage and slurry.
PHE Launch Resistant E. Coli Investigation
Public Health England has launched a UK-wide investigation into the spread of an antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli. With experts warning there is a growing risk in hospitals, the study will look at the spread of the resistant strain in healthy people, patients, farm animals, sewage and slurry.
06 November 2006
Government launches genetic 'Noah's Ark' strategy for farm animals
A plan to conserve the genetic material of the country's farmed animals has been launched by the government. The plans make recommendations to the industry and government on how the diversity of the genetic material of the UK's livestock can be improved and maintained.
Government launches genetic 'Noah's Ark' strategy for farm animals
A plan to conserve the genetic material of the country's farmed animals has been launched by the government. The plans make recommendations to the industry and government on how the diversity of the genetic material of the UK's livestock can be improved and maintained.
07 February 2006
BT issues child porn warning
BT has warned that the number of attempts to access child pornography on the internet has increased in the past 18 months. The telecoms company reported that its screening software, used to block access to sites featuring banned images of children, is now blocking 35,000 hits per day.
BT issues child porn warning
BT has warned that the number of attempts to access child pornography on the internet has increased in the past 18 months. The telecoms company reported that its screening software, used to block access to sites featuring banned images of children, is now blocking 35,000 hits per day.
28 March 2012
Legal High 'Mexxy' Banned Under New Government Powers
A so called legal high, known as ‘Mexxy’, will be the first drug to be banned under new government powers, the Home Office has said. Methoxetamine, used as an alternative to ketamine, will be made illegal for up to 12 months while the government's drugs advisers decide whether it should be permanently controlled.
Legal High 'Mexxy' Banned Under New Government Powers
A so called legal high, known as ‘Mexxy’, will be the first drug to be banned under new government powers, the Home Office has said. Methoxetamine, used as an alternative to ketamine, will be made illegal for up to 12 months while the government's drugs advisers decide whether it should be permanently controlled.