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Chesham Town Council change their circus rules
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New rules on performing animals in circuses have been imposed in Chesham following the controversial visit of the only remaining company to use an elephant in its shows.
Chesham Town Council voted to change its policy towards hiring land to travelling circuses in which animals take part, at its meeting on Monday.
This follows an animal welfare charity expressing its anger following the visit to the town of a circus featuring a 55-year-old elephant.
Councillors agreed to require RSPCA approved vets to inspect the creatures and for a circus to provide a written statement detailing how it will comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 before the show can go ahead.
Previously the council had stipulated a vet from the area must attend and be paid for by the council.
During a heated debate at the council's meeting at Chesham Town Hall members of the public called on it to ban events in which animals perform.
However the councillors were told it was not in their power to impose a ban on land it did not own.
Cllr Derek Lacey said the move would also result in all dog and horse shows being forbidden. He said: "1,200 people attended the show and we got four objections from that. The RSPCA attended on the Tuesday and a vet attended on the Tuesday - no problems. If we do ban them we will have no control whatsoever, they can do whatever they like.
"Just remember 1,200 people voted with their feet."
Cllr Gillian Walker spoke out against the current policy of allowing the displays. She said: "I suggest we don't use a local vet, what do they know about elephants and tigers? If we are going to use a vet lets get one who knows about these things."
The Bobby Roberts Super Circus, featuring Sri Lankan elephant Anne, took place at Nashleigh Hill Recreation Ground last month. The Captive Animal Protection Society urged Chesham residents to boycott it due to concerns for her health. Ringmaster Bobby Roberts defended the animal's treatment and said its doors were always open for inspections.
An amended proposal by Cllr Tina Michael was passed. Cllr Michael said: "Our current policy goes back some years . We have now got on the statute book an animal welfare act. I think this council should always comply with the law. The act insists within it a new duty of care."
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I think that these new rules are unfair, and a complete waste of time. The circus industry is highly regulated and the circuses in which still have these amazing animals, are doing the right thing. It is a loss to the local council, as the circus pays to use the grounds - not only this, but the opportunity to go and see the show is not there anymore. I do wish to see this circus as I believe they are doing nothing wrong!