Readers may be aware that a Government consultation on circuses took place early last year. This consultation found that 94.5 per cent of people support a ban on wild animal acts in circuses.

Following these results, the previous Government announced that they would introduce a ban if re-elected. The current Government has yet to make an announcement, although we have been told to "expect an announcement in the new year".

The circus season started in February, and wild animals, including lions, tigers, an elephant, camels and zebras headed out on tour for another season.

Animals don't belong in a circus. The constant transportation from town to town for 10 months each year and confinement for long periods means that a travelling circus can never meet all of the needs of these animals.

A recent scientific study concluded circuses fail to provide some of the most basic welfare needs of wild animals, such as space and social groups. It is widely recognised that only a ban can protect these animals.

In 2009, a secret camera concealed inside the elephant tent at the Great British Circus filmed elephants being hit in the face with a metal hook, a broom and a pitchfork. A Captive Animals' Protection Society undercover investigation found elephants at the same circus were chained for up to 11 hours a day.

162 MPs have now signed an Early Day Motion (EDM 403) calling for a ban on wild animal acts on circuses. Despite the overwhelming public and political support for a ban, we are still awaiting the much-anticipated Government announcement.

Please write to your MP, and ask them to sign EDM 403 (if they have not already done so), and ask why wild animal circuses have not yet been banned.

FIONA PEACOCK

Campaigns assistant

The Captive Animals' Protection Society