Wild Animals in Circuses (No.2) Bill

Written evidence submitted by Reg Challinor (WAC05)

Wild animals in circus bill

At a time in our history when there are so many important issues facing our country I am amazed that the government wants to give parliamentary time to persecuting 2 circuses and a handful of allegedly wild animals. This time would be better spent on the NHS, Schools, services, and of course Brexit etc. These are the things that matter to all the people. 

There are a number of points that I would like to make in respect of this bill.

1. DEFRA have advised me and the contents of this bill further confirm that there is no cruelty in the two UK circuses. So by implementing this ban the government is introducing cruelty into circus. Not just cruelty to the animals but also to the human carers. If you are a pet owner and the government imposed a ban on keeping pets think about how you would feel and the effect this would have not just on you but also your family and friends. 

2. In the bill you make no recommendations or suggestions as to what should happen to the animals deemed to be wild once the ban comes into force.

3. Your definition of a wild animal is one that does not originate from this country. 

a) I note that you make no mention of the budgerigars that are currently performing in a circus. Their country of origin is Australia.

b) All animals in circus are born in captivity and often in the circus and are several generations down the line. So by this definition stating they are wild needs some explanation. In some cases they may be hybrids. 

4.The government runs a very effective licensing scheme which is funded by the circus owners so there is no funding required by government from the public purse. So if you are adamant about introducing this ban it does seem to me that it would make sense to continue this scheme until such a time that the currently classified wild animals reach retirement.

I urge you to rethink this matter and I ask you to think about the statement I made at the beginning about government spending parliamentary time on more pressing issues that face our country and I make no apologies for re-emphasising it again. 2 circuses and a handful of animals. You really must stop this bill NOW!

Reg Challinor

May 2019