Staffordshire lion tamer blasts Scottish bill to ban circus animals

Thomas Chipperfield, who houses lions and tigers at Watling Street, Norton Canes, in between tours, has argued against a bill the Scottish Government is planning to introduce to prohibit their use in shows.

In a letter to the Scottish; Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, he said: "I am writing with the intention to submit evidence that not only supports the use of wild animals in travelling circuses but also condemns the idea of a ban on such a practice."

Mr Chipperfield first challenged the notion in the bill that there is a 'lack of scientific data' on the welfare of animals in circuses arguing research had been carried out in Britain commissioned by the RSPCA, in America by Texas A & M University, while stress tests had been conducted on German circus lions.

The lion tamer also dismissed a line in the proposed law which states the animals are required to perform 'tricks not normally seen naturally, in an artificial environment'.

Mr Chipperfield said: "This is a fiction of the animal rights movement.

"Tricks typically performed by circus tigers and lions, to give but two examples, include rolling over, sitting up, jumping and variations of the above.

"All of which are completely natural actions.

"The argument over whether or not it's environment is 'artificial' is irrelevant. It is arguable that any captive animal lives in an artificial environment."

The circus chief also criticised the bill for stating 'significant' travelling time curtailed animals' natural instincts blasting the statement as 'animal rights propaganda'.

To close the letter Mr Chipperfield provided his own 'moral arguments' for the use of wild animals in travelling circuses stating: "Almost all, if not every circus that features animals, either wild or domestic, advocates and encourages good animal welfare.

"If nothing else, this message is good for business as the general public enjoy watching well looked after animals engaging in activities."

He added: "Circuses with wild animals almost always provide an educational element, if not in the show, then when the 'zoo' is open to the public.

"Here experienced keepers and the trainers are free to talk and answer questions from the visitors.

"Also, a number of circuses, including some which I have worked for, have staged educational presentations for school and University students and I myself have been approached to give lectures at Universities and to offer assistance with a number of students' assignments.

"Circuses with wild animals inspire people to care about the wild.

"Audiences are amazed by the agility and intelligence displayed by trained circus animals, and feel very strongly about them softer seeing them with their own eyes."