Martin Freeman Asks David Cameron to Ban Wild Animals From Circuses

You might know him from The Hobbit, recognise his face from Love Actually or regularly watch him solve mysteries in Sherlock. But this time, Martin Freeman is on David Cameron’s case.

Despite committing to implementing a ban on the use of wild animal in circuses by January 2015, the last government failed to introduce legislation that would end this archaic practice. With Parliament due back in session next week, Freeman has sent an urgent letter on PETA’s behalf to the prime minister urging him to stop prolonging circus cruelty, not only for the sake of the animals but also for the sake of children. He writes:

As a father, I’d like to see my children grow up in a country where animals are treated with respect, not as objects of ridicule. … Allowing circuses with wild animals to continue to operate in the country sends the message to children that it’s OK to dominate animals and ignore any pain and suffering that they’re experiencing – which, of course, it’s not.

Wild animals in circuses commonly suffer from chronic health problems, abusive treatment and psychological disorders, and many die prematurely. The very nature of circuses – which confine animals to cages or boxcars for long periods of time, force them to perform tricks that are uncomfortable and even painful for them and deny them the opportunity to engage in natural behaviour – means that animal welfare can never be ensured in a circus environment.

Freeman joins Michael Sheen and Ann Widdecombe in teaming up with PETA to push the government to prohibit wild-animal circus acts.

Join these celebrities and thousands of others by taking action. Write to David Cameron and tell him that forcing wild animals to perform absurd tricks by using cruel and barbaric training methods has no place in modern Britain.