The Welsh Government is set to introduce a bill to prohibit the use of wild animals in travelling circuses, according to First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.
It will seek an extension to the UK Government's draft legislation for an England ban - which will come into effect in 2020.
According to the Welsh Government: "The way animals are treated is an important reflection of society, and over the next 12 months, a bill will be introduced to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses on welfare grounds."
Suffering
Animal charities have welcomed the news. Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International [ADI], said: "We congratulate the Welsh Government for taking a stand to stop circus suffering in Wales and bringing a UK-wide ban one step closer.
"ADI has documented suffering and abuse in UK circuses for many years. Knowing that only a ban can protect them, we are delighted an end to the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales is finally within sight."