§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent 647W representations she has made to owners of circuses on the welfare of animals. [82732]
§ Mr. MorleyThe welfare of animals in circuses is an issue that is currently being reviewed in the light of the recent consultation on the proposed Animal Welfare Bill. A number of suggestions have been made concerning the better regulation of performing animals and as part of the series of stakeholder meetings on the Bill, my officials have met representatives of the performing animals industry and organisations concerned with the welfare of performing animals. In the light of these discussions I shall give further thought to what changes need to be made the existing legislation on circus animals.
Quite separately, the Association of Circus Proprietors has drawn up a code of practice to help circus operators and those responsible for animal welfare enforcement.