TORBAY MP Adrian Sanders has called on caring constituents to have the memory of elephants — and support a ban on elephants being used in circus acts.

The struggle of jumbos around the globe has been highlighted by Animal Defenders International in its campaign to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

Mr Sanders has thrown his weight behind the cause, saying that the British Government should use its influence to halt the mistreatment of wild animals in captivity.

He added: "We're seeing the devastation of the habitat for elephants slowly being eroded by commercial activities, and we need to support the excellent work being done where elephants are native.

"We need to be supportive of those who are fighting the illegal trade in elephants, particularly in terms of the ivory.

"Circuses tend to move from country to country, especially in eastern Europe."

A recent parliamentary poll conducted by the charity found that 63 per cent of MPs would like to see a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses and only 14 per cent disagreed.

Jan Creamer, chief executive of Animal Defenders International, said: "We applaud Adrian Sanders for helping strike a blow for wild animals currently languishing in UK circuses.

"We have been encouraged by the results of our recent political opinion poll and by the results of Government's own public consultation last year that found nearly 100 per cent of the public were behind a total ban.

"It is now abundantly clear to us that public and political support for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses has never been stronger.

"This process has been trundling along for over five years, and it is now time that government listened to the will of the UK people and enacted a ban."