The milestone follows new restrictions on circuses using animals coming into force last month ahead of an outright ban.

The last big top to feature big cats, the Great British Circus, has moved its tigers to an operator in Ireland, as the travelling circus season gets under way.

Animals have been used in circuses since the 18th Century and around 20 were using them in 2000.

But the Coalition has promised to fulfill the previous Government's pledge and outlaw it altogether.

The restrictions implemented so far force circuses to fulfill various licensing conditions, including regular veterinary visits and 'retirement plans for the animals'.

Only two companies have applied for licences - to keep camels, zebras and reindeer - since the new rules were introduced.


The first modern circus to feature animals was in 1768, when horses were used. Exotic animals from around the world were added as the British Empire expanded.

Animal rights campaigners have hailed the milestone as the beginning of the end forthe use of wild animals in UK circuses.

Animal Defenders International chief executive Jan Creamer told The Observer: 'There has been enough evidence, enough consultations, all the experts agree - putting large cats and other exotic animals in tiny cages and beating them to perform tricks to entertain people is unacceptable in modern society. The day of the animal circus is over.'


But David Jamieson, editor of King Pole circus magazine, said there are good examples of trainers on treating animals very well in Europe, where they are still a popular attraction.

He added: 'They're doing very interesting displays. It's not the old old style of a man with a whip and a chair.

'These are sensitive displays that show the animals' affection for humans and humans' affections for animals.'


The Great British Circus sent its tigers to Courtney Brothers Circus in Ireland, which made headlines last year when one of its elephants escaped and ran through Cork, and one of its trainers was later crushed by open of the animals.

The loss of toges and lions also follows the prosecution of Bobby Robers last year. He became the first circus owner to be found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act for mistreating an elephant.

Only around five of Britain's 30 travelling big tops use animals, with aerobatics taken more of the limelight.
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Travelling circuses will be banned from using wild animals in their shows in Britain, it was announced today.

Ministers unveiled plans to outlaw the “outdated” practice through new legislation at the “earliest opportunity”.

But a tough licensing regime will be brought in to improve conditions for performing animals while changes in the law are developed.

Animal welfare minister Lord Taylor said: “There is no place in today’s society for wild animals being used for our entertainment in travelling circuses. Wild animals deserve our respect.

“We have said many times we wanted to ban this outdated practice, but before we could do that there were serious legal issues we had to consider.

“We are developing proposals to introduce a bill as soon as parliamentary time allows.

“In the meantime we are introducing a Circus Licensing Scheme to ensure decent conditions for wild animals in travelling circuses.”

It comes after a push for action following revelations of the mistreatment of a circus elephant, Anne, last year.

MPs backed a blanket ban last June and though it was non-binding it was highly embarrassing for the Government, sparking Downing Street to later signal it would bow to pressure over the demands. But it warned that Government could be left open to lawsuits from circus owners and workers.

That is a hurdle that is still likely to make progress of the ban slow.

A consultation on the new welfare licences was launched today and the regulations are expected to come into force by the summer.

Anyone responsible for a travelling circus that uses wild animals in a performance will need to hold a valid licence, meet strict welfare standards and have a retirement plan for each animal.

They will also need to provide proper accommodation, full veterinary care, a good diet and high welfare standards during training and performances.

A dedicated Government-appointed inspector, paid for by the circuses, will ensure rules are met, officials said.

The Government said it will work with any circus owner that decides they do not want to keep their wild animals.

Between 35 and 50 wild animals, including tigers, camels, zebras and snakes, are understood to be used in circuses. Elephants are no longer kept in circuses in the UK.
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