It says ADI has received legal advice establishing that an outright ban on the use of wild animals would not breach the Human Rights Act or the EU Services Directive.
“The way has been paved for you to implement a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses without further delay.
“It is what the public wants, politicians want, and animal welfare groups want.
“Only once a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses is implemented can the UK claim to be a nation of animal lovers who lead the world in animal welfare and protection.”
Brian May, of Queen fame, dubbed the use of wild animals in circuses “cruel, distasteful and unacceptable in the 21st century”.
And Ricky Gervais said recent footage of Anne the elephant being mistreated showed why the Government should ban wild animals in circuses.
“I am appalled that wild animals are still kept in circuses and fully support the call for a ban,” he said.
“It is high time that Government got on and implemented one.”
ADI chief executive Jan Creamer added: “Although the issue of wild animals in circuses has been discussed in Parliament, this is the first time that MPs will have a chance to vote on this issue.
“This is a unique opportunity for our Parliamentarians to make a real difference for wild animals in circuses.
“We are extremely grateful to these well- known personalities for their support, and we are calling on politicians to attend and do the right thing for animal welfare and protection by listening to the will of the nation.”
X-Factor diva Leona Lewis has also joined the fight, writing a letter to her MP Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington).
She said: “I am shocked and outraged that there needs to be a debate about whether it is OK for wild animals to perform tricks in the Big Top.
“I add my voice to this campaign and to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, which is lending its support to an alliance of animal welfare groups campaigning for an end to this. I hope that people write to their MP, as I have, to ask them to vote for a ban.”
