Sir Roger Moore campaigns to ban wild animals at circuses

James Bond star Sir Roger Moore is teaming up with actress Imelda Staunton to urge Queen Elizabeth II to push for a ban on wild animals in circuses.

The government has previously vowed to introduce a new law to regulate the practice but campaigners allege officials are dragging their feet and delaying the process.

In a joint letter, sent as part of Animal Defenders International's Stop Circus Suffering campaign, the actors state, "The travelling circus environment can never adequately meet the complex needs of wild animals. Circus animals are forced to endure constant travel and cramped, temporary accommodation, and often spend prolonged periods either tethered or in confinement... We cannot allow this cruelty and deprivation to continue.

"We are asking you, Your Majesty, to ensure that the ban is swiftly passed ahead of the general Election in 2015 by including it in your speech at the State Opening of Parliament. By affirming the Government's commitment to a ban we can condemn this archaic form of entertainment to history, just as 27 countries around the world have already done."

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