I'M sure your readers will have seen the footage of Anne, Britain's last circus elephant, being beaten by workers from Bobby Roberts Super Circus.

The footage of this abuse shocked and angered the nation.

Anne has now been rehomed, and will live out the rest of her years away from her suffering. Anne's tragic plight represents all of the wild animals in UK circuses today.

The constant transportation, inadequate housing and performing means that the welfare needs of circus animals simply cannot be met.

The public outrage at the treatment of Anne led to mass protests outside the circus, and hundreds of letters being written to MPs, newspapers and councils.

It has been reported that Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Defra, is 'minded to pursue a ban' on wild animal acts in circuses and that an announcement should be made within the next two weeks.

Defra are minded to pursue a ban, but we need to ensure they are determined to introduce a ban. Please, put pen to paper and email your MP asking them to support a ban.

Write to Defra Secretary of State Caroline Spelman urging her to introduce a ban without delay. Anne has been rescued from the circus, and now we need to make sure animals remaining in circuses get their happy endings.

Fiona Peacock

The Captive Animals' Protection Society

PO Box 4186, Manchester M60 3ZA