THE last touring elephant in Britain has been banned from appearing at a circus after objections by animal welfare campaigners.
Anne was scheduled to appear at the Bobby Roberts Super Circus in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, during its six-day run which began yesterday.
The 54-year-old Asian elephant suffers from arthritis and no longer performs but members of the public have been able to meet her and have their photographs taken alongside the elephant.
However, at a special meeting of East Ayrshire Council's licensing committee, it was agreed the elephant should not take part in any public performance or other commercial venture.
Ross Minett, of Advocates for Animals, said: "We don't believe it is acceptable in 21st-century Scotland to be traipsing an elephant about all over the country, keeping her in small enclosures for long distances to then exploit her in the name of entertainment. That belongs in the dark ages.
"This decision by East Ayrshire Council is a very welcome development."
Nobody from East Ayrshire Council or Bobby Roberts Super Circus could be reached for comment last night but in a statement on the circus's website, Mr Roberts said: "We are surprised and saddened by the current campaign to retire' our elephant Anne.
"Our opinion is that if Anne was taken away from her familiar surroundings, and the company of those she loves, she would quite simply pine away and die."
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