Lion tamer banned from using big cats - including three kept near Cannock
Britain’s last lion tamer has been banned from using big cats in his travelling circus.
Thomas Chipperfield has been keeping two lions and a tiger at a farm on the A5 near Cannock.
Animal welfare campaigners have welcomed the decision by the Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to refuse him a licence to perform in England.
Defra cited Mr Chipperfield’s ‘previous conduct’ as a reason for refusing to grant him a licence to use the big cats in his performances and said it was not satisfied licensing conditions would be met.
Animal rights campaigners had raised concerns about the conditions the lions and tiger were being kept in in Norton Canes, as well as their use in circuses.
Mr Chipperfield has insisted his animals receive the ‘best care’.
Protestors tried to break into Streetway Farm on Watling Street in January.
Mr Chipperfield launched an appeal after Defra’s ruling last July but it has now emerged the decision was upheld by magistrates in North Staffordshire in January.
The lion tamer has said he intends to lodge a fresh appeal against the decision.
The Government has said it will not seek to renew regulations allowing animals in travelling circuses once they expire in 2020.
A Defra spokesperson 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 then, we will impose the strictest possible standards to ensure the welfare needs of these animals are met.”
Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International, said: "The decisive action taken by DEFRA and the court is a victory for common sense and we hope signals the beginning of the end of circus suffering in England.
"Travelling shows cannot meet animals’ needs and ADI has repeatedly documented suffering and abuse. Let’s now consign these outdated acts to the past where they belong, across the UK."
