The RSPCA and Animal Aid have long been campaigning for the use of animals in circuses to be banned. A few months ago some video footage was released by an organisation called Animal Defenders International showing an elephant named Anne, being abused by her keeper at Bobby Robert's Super Circus. The good news is that Anne has now been moved to Longleat Safari Park where you can see below that she is a whole lot happier.
Read more about Anne here.
Anne was the last elephant to be used in a circus but according to the RSPCA there are still 37 animals left including zebras, lions, snakes, tigers, camels, a kangaroo and crocodiles
After Anne's experiences had come to light, Caroline Spelman MP, the Secretary of State said that she was "minded" towards a ban on wild animals in circuses. Unfortunately there has been no further announcement by Mrs Spelman. In recent weeks, Defra announced that it is unable to ban the use of wild animals in circuses because of a lawsuit taking place in Austria. However, Jim Paice, Defra’s pro-hunt animal welfare Minister was forced to admit that these legal proceedings don’t actually exist.
Mr Paice was reported to have said "if you don't like the idea of elephants and lions performing in circuses, don't go".
The RSPCA is asking for one final push to urge Prime Minister, David Cameron to ban wild animals in circuses once and for all.
How to Help
If you click on this link you will be taken to the RSPCA's campaign site where you will be asked to enter a few details, once you have done this you will be taken to a readily prepared e-mail where, if you have time, you can enter your own (polite) comments. Hit submit and we're another step closer to a better life for animals.
Don't forget to tell your friends. Thank you!
Sources: RSPCA, Animal Aid.
