The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P3JR

Dear Mr Benn

I am writing to you as a supporter of Four Paws on the important issue of animals used in circuses. As a relic from a bygone era, animals used for entertainment have no place in a modern, compassionate and civilised society.

The delay on announcing a ban on wild animals in circuses is of great concern to me. The recent re-introduction of elephants by a UK circus highlights the urgent need for DEFRA to announce a decision. In a recent MORI opinion poll, 80% of those surveyed said they were against the use of wild animals in circuses and 65% stated that they were opposed to the use of all animals.

Forcing animals to endure the circus environment is not in keeping with the current understanding of animal sentience and raises many welfare questions. The wholly inadequate housing whilst «on tour», the constant travelling and languishing for long periods in cages and wagons create a miserable existence for these animals. The suffering is further extended by the training methods used to force these animals to perform unnatural tricks for so-called «entertainment».

The Government must listen to the concerns of the general public and maintain their commitment to ban wild animals in circuses.

Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely