Big tent ban for elderly elephant

Big tent ban for elderly elephant

The last touring elephant in Britain has been banned from the big tent in Ayrshire after animal campaigners raised objections.

Anne, who is aged 54 and suffers from arthritis, is believed to be one of the oldest elephants in Europe.

East Ayrshire Council agreed with the Bobby Roberts Super Circus that Anne would not be used for commercial purposes during the run in Kilmarnock.

Animal rights campaigners welcomed the decision.

At a meeting on Monday, the council's licensing panel decided, with the agreement of Mr and Mrs Roberts, that the elephant would not take part in any public performance or any other commercial venture.