Banned!

Following a campaign by a local county councillor, Powys has banned circuses with wild animals performing on its authority-owned land.

It is the first council to outlaw it since the Welsh Government launched a consultation on a nationwide ban.

There are just two circuses with wild animal licences left in the UK and between them they have six reindeer, four zebras, three camels, three raccoons, a fox, a macaw, and a zebu. Performances are banned in 18 EU countries, including Scotland.

A motion by Trewern councillor Amanda Jenner, seconded by Cllr. Lucy Roberts (Llandrinio), was passed by Powys County Council, with one objection.

“I am so pleased to see that it went through,” said Cllr Jenner. “The passing of this motion sends a clear message to the Welsh Government that they need to commit to banning the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales altogether.”

Circuses with non-domestic or wild animals are now banned from hiring council-owned land or advertising events in its properties, such as schools, libraries and community centres. RSPCA Cymru said it warmly welcomed the move.

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.

Following the decision, Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George said: “I would like to congratulate Cllr. Jenner and Cllr. Roberts for bringing forward this motion, which sends a clear message that there is little public support for 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.”

There are currently no legal barriers to prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales. The local authorities that have policies to ban wild animals in circuses apply to public land in their area. However, if a private landowner wishes to rent/allow their land to be used, then it can’t be prevented unless this is legislated for.

An eight-week consultation on the issue in Wales got under way last month.