A GWYNEDD woman campaigning to ban the use of animals in circuses has pleaded with the Welsh Government to follow the example of English authorities who have refused the UK’s last lion tamer a licence.

Thomas Chipperfield has been refused permission to use lions and tigers in his shows.

Linda Joyce-Jones from Caernarfon presented her original case against such shows to the Petitions Committee of Wales in January.

Her petition, which bore more than 6,000 signatures, was then discussed in the National Assembly on March 7 and members present voted in favour of the ban.

Linda says that she hopes the Welsh Government will follow the example of 30 other countries in going ahead with a full ban on using animals in circuses, as the touring season approaches.

“The news of Thomas Chipperfield being refused a licence is great because it seems as though people are beginning to listen,” she said.

"However, as things stand, he is still allowed to put on shows in Wales and that is why I am continuing to push for this ban to be made official in my country."

“I want to stop the cruelty against animals once and for all.”

Since 2011, a licensing system has been in place in England, operated by Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as a temporary measure until the UK Government bans the practice, an announcement on which is expected to be made official in 2020.

Mr Chipperfield lost an appeal against the decision to deny him a licence in January.

The court said the plea was rejected because he would be unable to maintain suitable care plans for his lions and tigers.

His show, 'An Evening With Lions and Tigers, sparked controversy when it visited North Wales in July 2015 and demonstrations were held in Penrhyn Bay, Conwy, and Wrexham.

There are two circuses in the UK which currently have wild animal licences – Circus Mondao and Peter Jolly’s Circus – and Linda is eager to see them denied the right to perform across Wales.

“I am so angry at the fact that these circuses could be coming back here this summer, the thought of that makes me sick to my stomach,” she said.

“They are set to perform shows all around the country, from Llanwnda to Cardiff.

“To me, and so many others, it is frustrating to think that we are so close but yet so far to hearing the news we want to hear.”

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

“The days of transporting wild animals in the back of lorries around towns & cities & parading them in front of spectators are long gone,” Mr Williams said.

“Thankfully the use of wild animals in circuses has decreased in recent years and the size of this industry, is also very small. However, I would like to see a total ban made.”

Ninety four per cent of respondents to a government public consultation supported a ban and the House of Commons voted in favour of such a ban in 2011.

Mr Williams’ has commended Linda for her “commitment and resolve” during her protests.

“I admire my constituent Linda Joyce-Jones’ drive to continue with pursuing this issue,” he said.

“However, I remain disappointed that the Welsh Government have failed to take decisive action on this matter.”