Overview

This bill aims to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in England and Wales. It outlines the offenses involved, enforcement procedures, and the penalties for non-compliance.

Description

The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill makes it illegal to use a wild animal in a travelling circus in England. Using a wild animal means performing or exhibiting it as part of the circus. This applies to circus operators, defined as the owner, the person with overall responsibility, or, if neither are in the UK, the person in the UK ultimately responsible.

Offences and Penalties: Breaking the law results in a fine upon summary conviction. For corporate bodies, officers can be held liable if they consented to or were negligent in preventing the offence. The definition of "wild animal" excludes those commonly domesticated in Great Britain.

Enforcement: The bill grants the Secretary of State the power to appoint inspectors with wide-ranging powers. These include entering premises (with a warrant for dwellings), searching, examining animals, questioning individuals, taking samples and photographs, seizing evidence, and requiring assistance. Obstruction of inspectors is a separate offence. Inspectors have immunity from civil or criminal proceedings if their actions are deemed to have been in good faith with reasonable grounds.

Consequential Amendment: The bill amends the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 to clarify that its circus exemption only applies to circuses in Wales and Scotland.

Extent and Commencement: The Act applies only to England and Wales and comes into force on 1 December 2019.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs are likely associated with inspector appointments, training, and enforcement. No figures were provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Circus Operators: Face significant changes to their operations and potential fines for non-compliance.
• Animal Welfare Organizations: Potentially benefit from improved animal welfare standards.
• Inspectors: Will be responsible for enforcing the new law.
• The Public: May experience changes in circus performances.
• Police and Courts: Will be involved in enforcing the law and prosecuting offences.

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