A PETITION created by a woman from Caernarfon to ban the use of animals in circuses will be discussed in the National Assembly for Wales.

Linda Joyce-Jones presented her case to the Petitions Committee of Wales in January, having received over 6,000 signatures.

The Assembly's Business Committee has now scheduled a debate on the topic for Wednesday, March 7.

Linda has called on the Welsh Government to follow the example of 30 other countries in banning the use of wild animals in circuses.

Since 2011, a licensing system has been in place in England, operated by DEFRA, as a temporary measure until the UK Government banned the practice.

However, in October 2016, Circus Mondao had their licence suspended because of the conditions their animals were kept in during the winter.

Linda is determined to wipe out the use of animals in circuses for good as she strongly believes that they are mistreated.

“It is clear to me that this licensing system has failed the animals," said Linda.

"Organisations such as Animal Defenders International, Captive Animal Protection Society and the RSPCA have all expressed deep concerns."

On December 14, 2017 Lesley Griffiths AM, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs announced that the Welsh Government intended to allow circus licences in Wales.

However, Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives and UKIP have all made a ban a manifesto pledge.

Arfon AM Sian Gwenllian and Hywel Williams MP have also supported Linda's petition and strongly believe that using animals should be a thing of the past.

"I am determined to consign it to the history books where it belongs." said Linda.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way with this petition.

"It is something that I feel very strongly about and the fact that it is going to be debated in the Senedd just means we are one step closer to making my dream a reality."