Donkey, a Barbary Macaque Monkey, lives in South East Cornwall at the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary just outside Looe. His story was presented to the House of Commons by local MP Sheryll Murray who spoke against the keeping of wild animals by circuses on Thursday 23rd June as part of Mark Pritchard MP’s backbench debate.
In her speech she explained how Donkey’s life “had not been a happy one” and went on to catalogue how Donkey was smuggled to the circus, mistreated and finally rescued to her constituency. She went on to explain the damage that had been caused to Donkey and how he would never be able to return to the wild as a result.
Sheryll went on to praise the work of Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary near Looe and encouraged members to help the work that they carry out.
At the end of the debate the Deputy Speaker put the question to the vote and it was agreed that the House of Commons direct the Government to use its powers under section 12 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to introduce a regulation banning the use of all wild animals in circuses to take effect by 1 July 2012.
Ends
Notes to Editors
Pictured: Donkey
Sheryll’s Speech: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/19.htm#d2e6376
For further information please contact Sheryll’s office on 01579 344428.