§ Mr. CawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers local authorities have to regulate circus winter quarters. [67414]
§ Mr. George HowarthWinter quarters are not defined in animal welfare legislation, but are taken as meaning the place where the circus animals are kept during the winter while the circus is not touring.
Under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925, local authorities and the police have the power to enter at all reasonable times and inspect any premises in which performing animals are kept for training or exhibition, and to inspect the animals kept there.
Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, local authorities have the power to inspect any premises where any wild animal is kept. The Act does not apply to any dangerous wild animal kept in a circus, which is defined as including
any place where animals are kept or introduced wholly or mainly for the purpose of performing tricks or manoeuvres".For winter quarters, local authorities have the power to enforce, on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission, the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and other relevant statutory provisions within the meaning of the Act.