AS MPs return to their Westminster offices after summer recess, why not write to yours, urging the Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses?

Animals including lions, tigers, an elephant, camels and zebras are still languishing in circuses; last year video footage revealed three elephants being viciously beaten at a UK circus.

Confinement, brutal training and constant transportation – these are facts of life for circus animals.

Earlier this year, a Defra consultation found that 94.5 per cent of the public who responded supported a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. The Government is currently deciding on the future for these animals.

A recent scientific study concluded circuses fail to provide some of the most basic animal welfare needs such as space and social groups. The authors found that there was no evidence to suggest that the needs of wild animals can be met in circuses.

Please write to your MP and urge the Government to introduce a ban. Visit our website www.captiveanim als.org or call 0845 330 3911.

Fiona Peacock

Campaigns assistant

The Captive Animals' Protection Society

Manchester