ANIMAL Defenders International (ADI) calls upon Wycombe District Council to save animals from suffering, and reject a proposal to permit circuses with performing animals.

Animals forced to perform in circuses cannot display natural behaviours. ADI has investigated the use of animals in circuses in the UK and worldwide, and our film footage and scientific reports reveal that animal welfare is inevitably compromised by the travelling and temporary nature of the circus.

Scientific studies of the effects on animals in captivity and transport in a range of industries have provided evidence of suffering and compromised welfare. The circumstances that cause suffering in other industries are present in circuses.

We find it extraordinary that, while worldwide awareness of animal suffering in circuses has never been greater, and an increasing number of countries like Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia are seriously considering bans on animals in circuses, English councils would suddenly go backward in history, and allow what is considered unacceptable by 80% of the British public.

More than 180 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion calling for the Government to ban wild animals in circuses and limit the use of domesticated animals with a strict and accountable licensing system.

Circus regulations under the Animal Welfare Act have not yet been written. Any council making a decision to allow animal circuses is acting ahead of the law.

Jan Creamer, Chief Executive, Animal Defenders International, Millbank Tower, London.