A ban on the use of wild animals in circuses has been announced.

The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed today signed the regulation, which comes into effect in the new year.

The Minister said there was widespread public support for the move, which applies to wild animals such as camels, elephants and tigers.

He said it wasn't tenable for a travelling circus to fully provide for the needs of such animals.

The Minister admits some circus operators will be concerned at the move, but he said: “While the retirement of the small numbers of wild animals in Irish circuses might seem like a loss I am confident that this move will do more to secure the future of the circus community.  Coming in line with modern welfare standards will mean that greater numbers of the public will be more comfortable with going to the circus.”

The international animal rights group PETA has praised the decision.