Circuses in Ireland will be banned from using wild animals from January

Excellent news.

Minster for Agriculture Michael Creed has signed new regulations banning wild animals from circuses in Ireland, effective from January 2018.

A good day! Minister for Ag has just announced the banning of wild animals in circuses from 1 January 2018. This pre-empts the debate and vote on a bill to ban them that would have happened in two weeks time. Well done @carahhmongoose and all who campaigned on it! ?????

— Paul Murphy (@paulmurphy_TD) November 9, 2017

The Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017 comes under the Animal and Welfare Act 2013. Speaking about the regulations Minister Creed said, "The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted. This is the general view of the public at large and a position I am happy to endorse." He also went on to explain his decision for implementing the ban, "the ability of a travelling circus to provide fully for all the needs of animals such as camels or tigers is no longer a tenable proposition." He added, "while the retirement of the small numbers of wild animals in Irish circuses might seem like a loss I am confident that this move will do more to secure the future of the circus community. Coming in line with modern welfare standards will mean that greater numbers of the public will be more comfortable with going to the circus."