SIR – I’m sure your readers will have seen the footage of Anne, Britain’s last circus elephant, apparently being beaten by workers from Bobby Roberts Super Circus. The footage of this abuse shocked and angered the nation.

Anne has been rehomed, and will live out the rest of her years away from her life of suffering in the circus.

Anne’s plight represents all of the wild animals in UK circuses today. The constant transportation, inadequate housing and performing means the welfare needs of circus animals cannot be met.

The public outrage at the treatment of Anne led to mass protests outside the circus, and hundreds of letters being written to MPs, newspapers and councils.

This weekend, it was reported that Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Defra, is ‘minded to pursue a ban’ on wild animal acts in circuses, and that an announcement should be made within the next two weeks.

We need to ensure that Defra are determined to introduce a ban, so please, e-mail your MP asking them to support a ban. Write to Defra Secretary of State Caroline Spelman urging her to introduce a ban without delay.

Fiona Peacock, campaigns officer, The Captive Animals’ Protection Society, Manchester