An MP has called for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes and environment spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said: "There is no place in a civilised society for the use of wild animals in circuses. The needs of these animals and the needs of circuses are incompatible. In the 21st Century, surely it is time to pull the plug on wild animals in circuses and the Government should use the forthcoming Animal Welfare Bill as a vehicle to achieve that."

In a poll, 80 per cent of those questioned said wild animal circus acts should be banned.

Sixty five per cent supported a ban on all animal circus acts and 90 per cent were against whipping and beating when training circus animals.

Animal Defenders International (ADI), which commissioned the poll, said more than twice as many people visited animal-free circuses as those with animals.

Jan Creamer, chief executive of ADI, said: "Since we began our campaign exposing the brutal reality of life for circus animals, the number of animal circuses has more than halved and the number of animal-free circuses has doubled.

"The public have seen the evidence and responded immediately and this poll confirms the strength of feeling is rising. It is time for the Government to listen and to act decisively."

Government minister Ben Bradshaw will address the Parliamentary group for animal welfare tomorrow at the House of Commons on the Animal Welfare Bill.

A Government spokesman said the Bill, published on Friday, would allow prosecutions against people who were keeping animals in conditions likely to cause them suffering.

At the moment, prosecutions can only take place after an animal has already suffered.

The spokesman said specific rules regarding circuses would be dealt with under secondary legislation and would be opened up to public consultation before any decisions.

He said: "The Government is keeping an open mind and listening to all parties."