Press Release
Yougov poll proves conclusive support for wild animal circus ban
6 May 2011
7 in 10 people back ban on wild animals in circuses; Less than 1 in 10 think the use of wild animals in British circuses should continue.
And No10 may still opt for self-regulation of the circus industry?
ADI is extremely concerned to learn that the Coalition government may be considering self regulation in the circus industry despite that time and time again animal suffering and cruelty has been proven, including recent exposes of suffering at the Great British Circus in 2009 and Bobby Roberts Super Circus in 2011.
To directly address the matter head on, ADI has today released the results of its independent online poll carried out by YouGov. The poll asked impartial participants to what extent they would support or oppose a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses and the results are condemning for the circus industry. A massive 72% of the public back a ban.
The release of this poll couldn't come at a worse time for the four proprietors of wild animal circuses, who are reeling from ADI's shocking undercover footage revealing the terrible suffering of Anne, the UK's last circus elephant - rehomed last month to Longleat Safari Park as a result of the public outcry.
The poll also sends another clear message to Defra who are considering a ban, and Downing Street who may be considering self regulation. The public want wild animals banned in circuses and they want them banned now.
Nearly 2,000 Great British adults were asked "To what extent would you support or oppose the Government banning the use of wild animals in circuses?" A massive 72% of those polled said they would support a ban with only 8% against.
The results of the independent poll compare favourably with the responses to Defra's public consultation where 94.5% of respondents backed a wild animal ban.
This latest YouGov poll is completely impartial, with panellists selected at random from a base sample, so these results give a clear indication of the public's mood, and are therefore condemning for the circus industry.
At the same time as releasing the poll results, ADI have also made public for the first time their special ministerial report based on the findings of a previous investigation into the use of three elephants that were touring with the Great British Circus in 2009.
This document was presented to the former Defra Minister in 2009, and Lord Henley, the Minister now responsible in 2010, and contains opinions of various elephant experts, including vets and a professor of animal welfare. The report clearly illustrates how travelling circuses cannot provide wild animals with the care that they require, which inevitably leads to psychological and physical problems and so the only way to protect these animals is to end their use in circuses. A copy of this report can be downloaded at: http://www.ad-international.org/publications/go.php?id=2116
A recent Dods poll indicates that MPs are lagging behind public opinion but support for a ban on wild animal acts is still overwhelming with 63% in favour and 14% against. 189 MPs have now signed Early Day Motion 403 calling on the Government to ban wild animal acts which was tabled by former Defra Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
In the YouGov poll conducted for ADI there is barely any regional variation in the sample with massive opposition from the north of England (71%) to the south of England (76%), although there is stronger backing for a ban amongst women (78%) than men (64%).
In terms of strength of feeling it is those supporting a ban who win hands down.
The poll noted:
45% strongly support a ban
27% support a ban
19% neither support nor oppose a ban
6% oppose a ban
2% strongly oppose a ban and 3% don't know
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