2. To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce legislation to ban circuses from using wild animals. (S4T-00823)

As Kevin Stewart may be aware, earlier this year the Scottish Government consulted on banning on ethical grounds the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. The analysis of more than 2,000 responses is currently being completed, and we will consider carefully all the views that have been expressed. The Scottish Government recognises the concerns that exist about this important issue, and it will look carefully at what the options might be for implementing such a ban.

Like many people, I was shocked to hear that two lions and three tigers are being overwintered, as they call it, in small cages on a farm near St Combs in the north-east of Scotland. According to reports, 28 countries have already implemented bans on the use of wild animals in circuses. Will the Cabinet secretary ensure that we move in a much more progressive manner and follow their lead?

I sympathise strongly with the sentiments that have been expressed by Kevin Stewart. Two male lions, two male tigers and an elderly female tiger arrived in Fraserburgh in October, at the end of the circus season. Scottish Government officials are in close contact with Aberdeenshire Council, which is responsible for ensuring that animal welfare and public safety needs are met, and that the required licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 is in place. I understand that, at this time, the animals are not attached to a particular circus, but their presence in Scotland raises issues that Kevin Stewart is quite right to highlight.

I want Scotland to be progressive. The fact that we are considering introducing legislation to deal with the use of wild animals in circuses on ethical grounds means that we must clarify the legal route for doing so. We are paying close attention to events elsewhere in the United Kingdom, because similar legislation is proposed south of the border, albeit through a private member’s bill. We are paying close attention to the matter, and we will move as quickly as we can.

Aberdeenshire Council claims that everything is above board, and I have no reason to doubt that. Unfortunately, the legislation that we have on such matters is outdated.

I am pleased that the Cabinet secretary is looking closely at the issue. When is collation of the responses to the consultation likely to be completed? When can we expect to see some action?

On learning that the animals were being overwintered at St Combs near Fraserburgh, I made inquiries that led me to urge my officials to give me details on how we can improve the timescale for taking legislative action. As I said, there are issues to do with legality that we must consider, and we are doing that at the moment.

Kevin Stewart said that the legislation is out of date. Although I accept that there is an issue with the use of wild animals in circuses, which we are looking at, there is also a specific issue to do with the animals in St Combs near Fraserburgh. There is legislation in place to deal with licensing of that and if Kevin Stewart thinks that it is out of date, I would be interested to hear his views.

As the Cabinet secretary said, banning the use of wild animals in circuses would not necessarily address the issue of overwintering. I am glad that he has had discussions with Aberdeenshire Council. I think that he said that the relevant regulations are from 1976. Does he feel that the regulations are still fit for purpose?

That is a good question. As I said, the public concern about the case in St Combs near Fraserburgh raises questions in my mind and in the minds of colleagues. The issue of animals that could potentially be used for circuses in the future is one that arises. As Kevin Stewart says, if the use of wild animals in circuses had been outlawed, the present situation might not have arisen in the first place. We must balance such considerations. I will certainly have a look at all the regulations.