A
BILL
TO
Prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses; and for connected purposes.
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and
consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present
Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
In this Act—
“travelling circus” means a circus which travels from place to place for the
purpose of giving performances, displays or exhibitions,
5“wild animal” means an animal that is a member of a species not normally
domesticated in Great Britain.
(1)
A person is guilty of an offence if he keeps or introduces wild animals, whether
for the purpose of performance, display or otherwise, as part of a travelling
10circus.
(2)
A person is guilty of an offence if he knowingly causes or permits another
person to keep or introduce wild animals whether for the purpose of
performance, display or otherwise, as part of a travelling circus.
(3)
A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable on
15summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.
(1)
A person authorised in writing by a local authority (whether generally or in a
particular case) may at any reasonable time enter any premises within the area
20of that local authority on which he has reasonable grounds for suspecting that
an offence under section 2 has been or is being committed and may inspect the
premises and any animals or things found there.
Wild Animals in Circuses BillPage 2
(2)
A person seeking to enter any premises in the exercise of his powers under
subsection (1) shall, if required by or on behalf of the owner or occupier or
person in charge of the premises, produce evidence of his identity, and of his
authority or (as the case may be) appointment, before entering.
(3)
5A person who has entered any premises in the exercise of his powers under
subsection (1) shall, if required as mentioned in subsection (2), state in writing
his reasons for entering.
(4)
A person is guilty of an offence if he intentionally obstructs or delays any
person in the exercise of his powers under subsection (1).
(5)
10A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (4) is liable on summary
conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
(6) In this section—
“premises” includes any place but not any private dwelling, and
“private dwelling” means any premises for the time being used as a
15private dwelling excluding any garage, outhouse or other structure
(whether or not forming part of the same building as the premises)
which belongs to or is usually enjoyed with the premises.
(1) This Act may be cited as the Wild Animals in Circuses Act 2013.
(2)
20This Act shall come into force on the expiration of two months beginning on
the day on which it is passed.
(3) This Act extends to England only.