Welsh Conservatives have pledged to ban wild animals in circuses in Wales.
Committing to tackle the hugely damaging practice, the Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs has promised to enshrine a ban in law under a future Welsh Conservative government.
The pledge follows recent criticism of a travelling show in Wales, which featured performing lions and tigers.
A full article on the pledge written by Russell George AM is available at ˜Your Voice" http://yourvoiceintheassembly.co.uk/circusanimals/
Polling has consistently shown a majority of people in Wales oppose the use of wild animals in circuses and Welsh Conservatives back this view entirely.
While the current Welsh government has said it is supportive of a ban, it has also deferred the issue to England and suggested it would be happy for a promised UK government ban to deal with the problem in Wales.
Animal welfare is a devolved issue however and there is clear potential for Welsh ministers to deal with it themselves, either by way of regulations brought forward under section 12 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, or primary legislation.
Writing for the Your Voice website, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Russell George AM, said:
I firmly believe that the use of wild animals in circuses must be completely banned in Wales.
These shows are barbaric. They have no place here whatsoever and Welsh Conservatives would ensure a ban is enshrined in law.
Animal welfare is a devolved issue and we see no reason why Labour ministers can't get a grip on this problem themselves.
The UK government is already committed to the introduction of a ban. I want the Welsh government to make its own statement as well as using its powers to ensure these shows are completely forbidden.