Animal rights campaigners have expressed extreme disappointment at the UK Government's decision not to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
An opinion poll this week showed that 71% of the British public favours a ban. But Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has opted instead for a system of licensing, insisting outlawing circus animals would make no sense at a time when a ban in Austria is being challenged under European law.
Circus captivity is beastly for wild animals – New Scientist