Policy background
The Act fulfills the Government's policy in relation to the use of wild animals in travelling circuses as set out in the Written Ministerial Statements of 1 March1 and 12 July 2012.2 As an interim measure the Government introduced a licensing scheme using powers available under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (England) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/2932) came into force on 20 January 2013.