PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
WILD ANIMALS CIRCUS BAN IN SCOTLAND (4 June 2018)

That this House commends the Scottish Government for acting to ban the use of wild animals in circuses by means of the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018 which came into effect on 28 May 2018; notes that this measure was passed unanimously in the Scottish Parliament, following a public consultation conducted by the Scottish Government which revealed 98 per cent. of respondents backed a ban; further notes that this historic announcement makes Scotland the first UK nation to institute such a ban; applauds this action in demonstrating to the wider world that Scotland is one of the growing number of countries that no longer condones the use of wild animals in this way; appreciates that this action is founded upon concern for animal welfare; notes the significant concerns of animal welfare groups about wild animals in circuses experiencing suffering and abuse; recognises that the transient nature of circuses prevents the provision of the facilities necessary to keep animals physically and psychologically healthy; and understands that Animal Defenders International has called upon other UK nations to follow Scotland's lead on this issue.

Sponsored by:
Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party)