Articles tagged with: big cats Thomas Chipperfield and his big cat circus act 19 July 2018 · 2 comments Big cat circus trainer Thomas Chipperfield has been refused a licence to perform in England by Defra. Revealed in April 2018, the decision was upheld by North Staffordshire Magistrates Court following an appeal. Britain’s ‘last lion tamer’ refused licence to perform 13 April 2018 · 2 comments Animal Defenders International (ADI) has welcomed the decision by DEFRA to refuse big cat circus trainer Thomas Chipperfield a licence to perform in England. Oppose export of Ringling big cats! 23 June 2017 · 5 comments Following the demise of Ringling Brothers Circus, upon failing to adapt to changing attitudes and falling ticket sales, big cat trainer Alexander Lacey plans to return to Europe and present his outdated act there.