Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th April 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Wild animal ban in circuses
Draft Bill spells success for campaigners

 Welfare charities and veterinary associations alike have celebrated the announcement of a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

A draft Bill, which was published on 16 April, will make it illegal for wild animals to be used in circus performances in England from 1 December 2015.

Welcoming the move, BVA president Peter Jones said: "I am heartened that we will soon see the end of the exploitation of these animals in the confines of a circus."

Along with organisations including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation and the Captive Animals' Protection Society, the BVA have been campaigning for a ban for some time.

The basis of the groups' argument has been that the environmental needs of wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus, nor can their need to express normal behaviour.

All four organisations said they will support the government in the formal enactment of the Bill, and the RSPCA and Born Free Foundation have reiterated their pledge to find safe homes for the wild animals currently being used in circuses in England.

The BVA will be consulting its members on these proposals once the Bill has been studied. This, Mr Jones says, will "ensure that we can help to develop appropriate and robust legislation."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk