Wild animals being used in travelling circuses could be set to be outlawed in Wales.
The National Assembly is set to receive the Wild Animals and Circuses (Wales) Bill later and could see anyone who breaks the proposed new law slapped with an unlimited fine.
Legislation preventing the use of camels, zebras, and reindeer was 'overwhelmingly backed' following a consultation period by the Welsh government.
The Welsh minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said that the move was a reaction to a change in public opinion.
She said: "The declining number of wild animals kept by travelling circuses is a clear indication the public appetite for this type of entertainment is not what it once was.
"The use of wild animals in travelling circuses contributes little to further our understanding of wild animals or their conservation.
"The introduction of this bill sends a clear message this government and the people of Wales believe this practice to be outdated and ethically unacceptable."
The government then confirmed that there are currently only two circuses who travel around the UK using wild animals as part of their performance, but that there are increased calls to ban their use whenever the two circuses visit.
Animal charities have also welcomed the proposed changes, including Born Free. Dr Chris Draper, Born Free's head of animal welfare and captivity, told Sky News: "The use of wild animals in travelling circuses is outdated and unpopular and this legislation will bring Wales into line with a long and increasing list of countries which have banned this practice."
While the use of wild animals in circuses is not currently prohibited in England, legislation will come into force next year that will see the practice banned.
Wild animals are already prohibited from use in travelling circuses in Scotland, as well as the Republic of Ireland.
However, not everyone is so happy with the proposed rule changes. Thomas Chipperfield, who is a lion tamer that has worked with travelling circuses in the UK, called the move 'very illiberal'.
He told BBC News: "The animals are a part of the family and suited to this lifestyle.
"It is what they understand, they don't fear what they have a firm grasp of."
He also added that wild animals in circuses are 'not a major concern' for the British public.
Mr Chipperfield continued: "It shouldn't come to the point where I am stopped from doing a legislative practice."
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