Leading charities and animal welfare organisations such as The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (RSPCA), Born Free Foundation, the British Veterinary Association, and the Captive Animals' Protection Society have campaigned together against wild animals being used in circuses for many years.

The RSPCA has been particularly outspoken, warning that wild animals are likely to suffer from being dragged around the country from pillar to post just so audiences can be "entertained".

RSPCA senior scientist Dr Ros Clubb said: "It is a great relief that the government has listened to reason and we are back on track to getting a proper ban on the use of all wild animals in circuses".

"As the Government has pointed out, there is absolutely no basis for protecting only a select group of wild animals, and no desire to do so from MPs, the public or animal welfare groups. No wild animals belong in a circus".