DEFRA minister Jim Paice revealed today that the Government is to ignore widespread public and Parliamentary calls for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Instead a new licensing regime will be introduced.

Today's move has been condemned by a wide range of animal welfare bodies, including Animal Defenders International, FourPaws, Animal Aid, PETA and the BVA.

Last year MPs voted unanimously in favour of a ban in principle.

Responding to the announcement, Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:

"It's now overwhelmingly clear that the public and Members of Parliament want a ban on wild animals in circuses - so what is the Government waiting for?

"It is astonishing that the taxpayer is being asked to foot the bill for a new 'regulatory regime' to keep this cruel and outdated practice alive.

"The simple fact is that circuses are no place for wild animals, and no amount of consultation or self-regulation by the industry is going to change that."

Jan Creamer, Chief Executive of Animal Defenders International, who last year exposed the horrific abuse of Anne the elephant, said: 

"In the last Government consultation, 95% of the public called for a ban on wild animal acts, we have had impact assessments and feasibility studies, but it seems to us that the Government will just keep changing the question until they get the answer they want. 

"It is appalling that public and parliamentary wishes are cast aside in such a cavalier manner."

Caroline is one of a group of cross party MPs - Mark Pritchard (Con), Jeremy Corbyn (Lab), Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem) and Nic Dakin (Lab) - urging the Government not to ignore the widespread public and Parliamentary support for a ban.

ENDS