Wild animals will be banned from circuses within two years, the Government revealed last night.
The move will prevent cases like that of Anne, the elephant the Mail campaigned to save after she was beaten with a pitchfork by her groom.
It is the first time the Government has committed to a timescale for the ban, which it said will come in prior to January 2020.
The ban means Britain will finally fall into line with other countries including in Scotland, which brought in a ban last year, and Wales, which is set to introduce one.
The move will prevent cases like that of Anne, the elephant the Mail campaigned to save after she was beaten with a pitchfork by her groom
Animal rights campaigners have long argued that making animals perform in travelling circuses is detrimental to their health.
Last night they welcomed news of the ban, which comes after the year of the 250th anniversary of circuses in the UK.
The RSPCA’s David Bowles said: ‘The news that the Government has said there will be no wild animals in circuses in England after the 2019 season or earlier is very welcome and comes as a huge relief.
‘It’s been a long-time coming. This announcement gives circuses a clear two-year warning that no more licences will be issued and after that there will be a ban on wild animals in circuses.
‘The complex needs of wild animals can never be adequately met in a circus environment and regular transport, cramped and bare temporary housing, forced training and performance are all unavoidable realities for the animals.’
Wild animals were once an integral part of Britain’s circuses and families flocked to see exotic creatures such as elephants, lions, tigers and bears.
But public opinion has gradually turned against the use of wild animals, with the case of Anne – Britain’s last circus elephant – prompting a call for a ban.
Just a handful of wild animals now perform in the dwindling number of UK circuses.
The 19 animals include two reindeer, three camels, a raccoon, a fox, a miniature zebu, a macaw and zebras, the RSPCA said.
Scotland passed legislation for a ban last year, joining more than 40 other countries, including most of Europe, Latin America and several Asian nations.
According to a Government consultation, 94.5 per cent of the public are in favour of outlawing wild animals in circuses.
But Parliament had failed to make it law in England, despite David Cameron introducing a Bill that had widespread support from MPs.
The ban will now be introduced before January 2020 when the current regulations expire.
Councils have the power to ban animal circuses, but only half of those in the UK do so.
In 2011, the Mail broke the story of Anne – Britain’s last circus elephant – being beaten during her time at the Bobby Roberts Super Circus
Although the numbers are low, animal rights charities warn that there is nothing to stop them increasing.
There is also, crucially, nothing to stop other elephants – like Anne – being brought to Britain to perform in a circus.
In 2011, the Mail broke the story of Anne – Britain’s last circus elephant – being beaten during her time at the Bobby Roberts Super Circus.
Following our campaign for her rescue, she was moved to Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, where readers contributed to her upkeep.
Anne, who is in her 60s and suffers from arthritis, now lives in a £1million building with heated floors.
A Defra spokesman said: ‘We remain absolute in our commitment to banning wild animals in circuses and intend to introduce the ban prior to the regulations expiring in January 2020.
‘Until we are able to achieve this, we will impose the strictest possible standards to ensure the welfare needs of these animals are met.’