MSPs vote to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses from Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation aimed at banning the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in Scotland.

Passed unanimously, by 112 votes to 0, the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Bill will prevent travelling circuses from showing wild animals in Scotland in the future.

The bill was introduced by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham in May 2017, following a public consultation in which 98 per cent of respondents backed a ban.

Speaking after the vote, Cunningham said: “This is an important act that will not only prevent travelling circuses ever showing wild animals in Scotland in the future but will demonstrate to the wider world that we are one of the growing number of countries that no longer condones the use of wild animals in this way.

“I am also very pleased at the way that the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government have worked together on this bill.  The consideration and input of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee in particular, has significantly strengthened the bill and that, backed up by clear guidance, means we will have a robust act that is practical and easy to enforce.”