Animal Welfare Bill

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Subsection (2) says that there must be scientific evidence to show "““that the welfare needs of animals . . . are likely generally to be met””." Poodles have been mentioned, which trivialises the issue. There are dogs that perform in circuses. Members of the Committee will recall that we touched on the subject at that stage. In some circuses that I know, dogs come in with the clowns and are in effect their pets. I do not seek to prohibit that, because there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the welfare needs of those animals will be met. The effect of the new clause will not be to ban all animals from being kept in circuses. [Hon. Members: ““It will.””] That is not my interpretation.