Petition to stop animal circuses in Scotland

EDINBURGH-based charity OneKind has launched a petition asking people to stop wild animal circuses coming to Scotland.

The animal charity is calling on the next Scottish Parliament to impose a total ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, and is gathering a petition to be lodged with the parliament's Public Petitions Committee immediately after the election.

It follows shocking footage which appeared on the internet recently of Anne the elephant being mistreated by a keeper.

Policy director at OneKind, Libby Anderson, said: "We want people in Scotland to issue a resounding no to wild animal circuses performing on Scottish soil. Scotland can in fact lead the way by legislating as soon as possible after the election on May 5."

Singer Alesha Dixon is among those voicing their support on the OneKind website.

She said: "It is heartbreaking to think that animals are being used and treated this way in today's society. It has to stop.

"I believe and hope Scotland will do the right thing."

To view the petition, visit www.onekind.org/take_action/campaigns/say_no_to_animal_circuses_in_scotland.