A travelling lion and tiger show that is currently in Bargoed cannot tour England as it did not meet the conditions needed for a licence.
An Evening with Lions and Tigers failed a Defra inspection on June 10 this year, because the indoor accommodation is just over half what it should be.
The guidance level for indoor accommodation for five big cats, which the circus shows, is 60 square metres, yet according to a Defra inspection report, from June this year, the cats have an indoor area of 33 square metres.
This resulted in the show being refused a licence by Defra, who also said the cats were not being exercised enough or allowed in the outside area for long enough each day.
Defra said work needs to be carried out to rectify the failings before a decision can be made whether to grant the show a licence.
But, a Welsh Government spokesman said that the regulations differ in Wales, meaning the show is allowed to go ahead.
In a letter to Defra, Thomas Chipperfield, from An Evening with Lions and Tigers, said they plan to meet their recommendations.
However, he said extending the outdoor enclosure will take time to build.
He said: “We must work in order to pay for said extension, that is why we have come to Wales.”
A Defra spokesperson confirmed the licence had not been granted and said they have not received another application.
The RSPCA has called on the public to boycott the show after protests across South Wales.
They also call for a ban on wild animals in circuses, a call supported by Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert.
However, a Welsh Government spokesman said the UK Government is showing “no appetite for action” towards implementing a ban.
He said: “We are therefore considering whether it may be appropriate for the Welsh Government to act alone.
“We are also in urgent discussion with the Welsh Local Government Association, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, police and local authorities to map out a cohesive, Wales-wide approach to monitoring public safety and animal health and welfare standards in travelling circuses.”
Anthony Beckwith, owner of An Evening with Lions and Tigers, said: “We have passed five Defra inspections under the Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Act 2012.
“We currently do not hold a Defra licence as it is not required in Wales. Instead, we hold all the relevant licences to tour Wales and have had several vet checks and official visits during our tour.
“During our most recent Defra inspection they did not fail us but did give some advisories.
“We have not been asked to add any extra space, just alter the current space, and our licence application was withdrawn as it was not needed. It was not refused.”
This article was amended on November 2, 2015, to make it clearer that the information on the cats’ indoor area was taken from a Defra inspection report.