P-05-904 Ban the use of animals from circuses and travelling shows in Wales
P-05-904 Ban the use of animals from circuses and travelling shows in Wales
P-05-904 Ban
the use of animals from circuses and travelling shows in Wales
This
petition was submitted by Linda Joyce-Jones, Kirsty John and Jayne Dendle
having collected 849 signatures online and 800 on paper, a total of 1,649
signatures.
Text of Petition
We call on the National
Assembly for Wales to ask the Welsh Government to ban the use of animals in
circuses and travelling shows in Wales.
On July 17th 2018 the
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones AM said
" Finally Llywydd, we
will bring forward a Bill to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. Animal welfare is a priority for
this government and the way we treat animals is an important reflection of the
values of our society. Circuses are legitimate businesses and it is not our
intention to outlaw all forms of circus entertainment in Wales. But the use of
wild animals in circuses in this context is outdated and ethically
unacceptable. We will prohibit their use
in travelling circuses."
Circus is an art form in
its own right. While in the past it has been strongly connected with the use of
animals, it is clear that the public's taste in such matters have changed
considerably in recent years. This is
demonstrated by the increasing number of all human circuses, together with the
success they enjoy. While these shows often play to full audiences and face no
protesters outside, it's safe to say the reverse is true in respect of the
remaining circuses and travelling shows that use animals, even those using
animals not defined as wild.
Additional
Information
Many
states and Countries are banning all animals in circuses and travelling
exhibitions. Italy (long associated with the animal circus industry) are set to
do this next year. The welfare concerns around the use of wild animals in
circuses such as constant travel, loading and unloading, forced performance,
together with inadequate and unnatural social environments apply to all animals
used in this way.
Their
use should be banned from any travelling show which is purely for people's
entertainment and to make people money for example a commercial
enterprise. Sadly last year the Cabinet
Secretary for Environment Planning and Rural affairs Lesley Griffiths AM,
indicated the Welsh Government would licence "mobile animal
exhibits".
Status
This petition was
considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 16/03/2021.
The petition was
closed as part of a review of all petitions currently under consideration at
the Petitions Committee's final meeting of the Fifth Senedd, in light of the
upcoming election and the consideration given to this issue to date.
Full details of the
consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be
seen on the Meetings tab above.
It was first considered by the Petitions
Committee on 05/11/2019.
Senedd Constituency and
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- Arfon
- North Wales
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Business type: Petition
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: Complete
First published: 30/09/2019