Anger At Govt Decision On Circus Animals

Animal rights campaigners have expressed extreme disappointment at the Government's decision not to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

An opinion poll this week showed that 71% of the British public favours a ban.

But Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has opted instead for a system of licensing, insisting outlawing circus animals would make no sense at a time when a ban in Austria is being challenged under European law.

Helder Constantino, spokesman for Animal Defenders International, said: "Here we have a Government which has pledged to take a tough stance on its sovereignty against EU rules suddenly hiding behind an Austrian court case to delay banning animals in circuses. We think it defies common sense."

Labour MP Gavin Shuker, who also wanted a ban, suspects Prime Minister David Cameron had a hand in the decision.

"Number Ten have taken a strong interest in Defra ever since the forests screw-up," he said.

"They'll be putting additional pressure on the Secretary of State not to end up in another U-turn."

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said details of the licensing system have yet to be worked out, but promised that the standards expected of circuses would be high.

He said: "This will be very tough. If a circus cannot produce those standards, they won't get a licence."

He also said the Government would keep a keen eye on the Austrian case - implying it has not ruled out a ban in future.

Martin Lacey, owner of the Great British Circus - one of very few circuses that still feature animals, welcomed the decision, calling it "a victory for common sense".

Campaigners say their fight for a ban will continue.