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The use of wild animals will be banned in Irish circuses from January 2018

“The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted.”

MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE Michael Creed has today signed regulations that will ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

The measures will come into effect on 1 January 2018.

“The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted. This is the general view of the public at large and a position I am happy to endorse,” Creed said.

“This is a progressive move, reflective of our commitment to animal welfare.”

Creed said that he is allowing a “modest” period of time for alternative arrangements to be made for the animals in question.

While circus owners and operators may have their regrets about this move, Creed said that he appreciated their concern and care for the animals that have been part of their lives.

However, he said the ability of a travelling circus to provide fully for all the needs of animals such as camels or tigers is no longer a tenable position.

“While the retirement of the small numbers of wild animals in circuses might seem like a loss, I am confident that this move will do more to secure the future of the circus community,” Creed said.

“Coming in line with modern welfare standards will mean that greater numbers of the public will be more comfortable going to the circus,” he said.

The Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017 are made under the Animal and Welfare Act 2013.

Animal Rights Action Network’s John Carmody said that today was a “great day”.

He said: “Finally Ireland can raise its head and be proud that the country has finally taken a meaningful and real step to stop the suffering of wild animals forced to travel and perform in Irish circuses. We spent 20 plus years fighting for this day and here it is.”

With reporting from Sean Murray

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    Mute Alex Brennan
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    May 30th 2016, 8:37 PM

    Looks like an ordinary night in the dail bar

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    Mute D'unredactable
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    May 30th 2016, 9:41 PM

    With the bushwacking Danny Really-Hay and the Messiahs of Meteorology!

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    Mute Aisling Farrell
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    May 30th 2016, 7:06 PM

    The party party.

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    Mute Paul Mc
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    May 30th 2016, 7:02 PM

    The similarities between him and Kenny with his air guitar antics are pretty much nauseous.

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    May 30th 2016, 7:31 PM

    You beat me to it

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    May 30th 2016, 7:46 PM

    Anti computer virus ? Or computer Anti Virus ?

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    Mute Mark Malone
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    May 30th 2016, 8:23 PM

    There are things in this world that you just can’t unsee, and this is one of them.

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    Mute Ger Comings
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    May 30th 2016, 6:50 PM

    Riveting stuff.

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    Mute Peter Buchanan
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    May 31st 2016, 7:21 AM

    I will be voting for the Libertarian party in the upcoming election. Could not vote for either Clinton or Trump. As a ‘liberal’ Republican, it’s not a bad choice

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    Mute Sean Baker
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    May 31st 2016, 5:57 PM

    I listened to Gary Johnson on Joe Rogans podcast last week. Very interesting guy, I can’t get behind all of his ideas but by far the best candidate and seems genuine. I’m giving him my vote.

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    Mute Garreth Byrne
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    May 30th 2016, 10:37 PM

    American voters now have an alternative to Trump the idiot and Clinton the two-face.

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    Mute David
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    May 30th 2016, 9:59 PM

    Well that escalated quickly!

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    Mute Cal McLaughlin
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    May 30th 2016, 7:45 PM

    Liberal politics in a nutshell.

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    Mute Malachi
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    May 30th 2016, 8:01 PM

    Liberal =/= Libertarian

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    Mute D'unredactable
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    May 30th 2016, 9:35 PM

    Could hardly be anymore diametrically opposed on most issues!

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    Mute Frank's Cat
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    May 31st 2016, 9:09 AM

    Jeez Cal, that was a bit embarrassing. Not knowing the difference between liberal and libertarian. Scarlet!

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    Mute Eoin O'Connor
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    May 31st 2016, 2:58 PM

    So-called “libertarians” themselves don’t know.

    Libertarian is actually another word for a social anarchist – the anti-authoritarian wing of democratic socialism – and has been used to mean that, in a political sense, since the late 19th century.

    Right-wing capitalists merely appropriated the term in the 1970s (many unaware of its socialist history) and now, showing how pig-ignorant they are of politics, scoff “libertarian socialism!? LOL! That’s an oxymoron!”

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    May 31st 2016, 12:19 AM

    The world is a safer place now

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    Mute Michael Kavanagh
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    May 30th 2016, 10:10 PM

    That’s what happens when you hire Dr Azazi as campaign advisor I suppose!

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    Mute Rosa Parks
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    May 31st 2016, 5:27 AM

    Less government less clothes.

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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    May 30th 2016, 7:44 PM

    Hay guys, it’s 11.30 !!!

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