Circus animals bill given its call for evidence

The ethics of using wild animals in travelling circuses has been put out for public views by a Holyrood committee as it begins its scrutiny of the Scottish Government bill that would ban the practice.

The Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform Committee has issued a call for evidence to inform its stage 1 report on the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Bill.

If brought into law, it would be an offence for a circus operator – or person with overall responsibility for a circus – to use wild animals as part of a travelling circus. The bill also includes the power to enter premises and vehicles in order to search for and examine animals.

Committee convener Graeme Dey MSP commented: “We know that people feel very strongly about protecting wild animals in travelling circuses.

“In Scotland, the use of animals in circuses as a form of entertainment is somewhat of a rarity. In fact, such a travelling circus hasn’t visited Scotland for many years. However, if this bill is passed, it will make it an offence for circus operators to use wild animals in travelling circuses in Scotland.

"What the committee wants to know is whether the Scottish public think this is the best way to protect wild animals."

Click here to view the call for evidence. The deadline for responses is 9 June 2017.