Not everyone enjoys the circus. Certainly not the caged animals still used by many here in Wales.

In circuses, animals can suffer from being transported all the time, live in extremely tight enclosures, and are often forced to perform unnatural tricks for a paying audience.

Many people will have seen the recent criticism in the Welsh media of a travelling show in Wales which featured performing lions and tigers. The vast majority of people in Wales oppose the use of wild animals in this way and the Welsh Conservatives back this view entirely.

Whilst the Welsh Labour  Government has said that it is supportive of a ban, for some reason they seem reluctant to tackle the issue head on and have instead deferred it to the UK government to take decisive action.

Animal welfare is a devolved issue and we see no reason why Labour ministers can’t get a grip on this problem themselves. The UK government is already committed to the introduction of a ban, but I want the Welsh government to make its own statement as well – using its powers to ensure these shows are completely forbidden.

This could be done in one of two ways: either by primary legislation, or by regulations brought forward under section 12 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Last week the Netherlands became the latest in a line of European countries banning the practice, following in the footsteps of Belgium, Austria and Greece. The Welsh Government has the power to add Wales to that list and that’s exactly what a Welsh Conservative Government would do.

I firmly believe that the use of wild animals in circuses must be completely banned in Wales. These shows are barbaric. They have no place here whatsoever, and a Welsh Conservative Government would ensure a ban is enshrined in law.

That’s our pledge today and we are committed to tackling this hugely damaging practice.