CIRCUS animals will have more protection from new laws to be introduced following a report to MPs, says a Blackburn lawyer who represents big top owners.

Malcolm Clay, for the Association of Circus Proprietors, was one of seven members of a working group which presented the report recommending tighter legislation.

The group visited five circuses and a training camp to inspect performing animals and their living conditions during their two-year investigation.

Although the RSPCA and the Born Free foundation voted to ban all performing animals, representatives from the British Veterinary Association and Environmental Health and animal behaviourists voted with Mr Clay for tighter legislation.

A new Circus Animal Act could introduce welfare standards and licensing of trainers, and ban some species being used for entertainment.

Mr Clay, of Ramsbottom Solicitors, Blackburn, said: "Some of the circuses that come to this area have high and progressive standards of animal welfare but some don't.

"Now, instead of working on a voluntary basis, they are going to be closely monitored.

"The RSPCA and the Born Free foundation went to the meetings with their own views which they have not changed but I'm delighted that the independent people who have heard all the information have supported my proposals."

He criticised Burnley Borough Council and other councils that have banned circuses with performing animals from local authority sites out of concern for the animals' welfare.

"This report says there has got to be monitoring of circuses," he said.

"Banning circuses from using local authority sites produces a very negative result because they lose all control over them but as landlords they can insist on inspections."

He said it was likely to be two years before a new law was passed.

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