RSPCA Policy C02 Performance and entertainment

Adopted on January 21, 2026

2.1	Animals used for any kind of entertainment, exhibition, or performances, including animals depicted in social media, must be treated with respect.
2.2	The RSPCA opposes the keeping and breeding of cetaceans in captivity for display, performance, entertainment, or human interaction as their physical and mental needs cannot be adequately met.
2.3	Wild animals taken from the wild must not be used for any kind of entertainment, exhibition, or performance. The only exception is rescued wild animals who cannot be released and who have been conditioned and appropriately trained (where the training and use allows choice to engage or not) and that their physical and mental needs can be met.
2.4	Circuses
2.4.1	The RSPCA opposes the use of animals in circuses unless scientific evidence indicates that the physical and mental needs of the species can be adequately met during all aspects of circus life.
2.4.2	The RSPCA opposes the use of exotic or wild species of animals for circus performances or display (these species include but are not limited to big cats, bears, primates, reptiles).
2.5	Film, television, advertising, theatre or any other production Where animals are to be used in the making of films, television programs, advertising, radio, theatre or any other production, this must be overseen by the regulator responsible for animal welfare.
2.6	Petting zoos and animal encounters
2.6.1	Handling of and interactions with animals by members of the public should only occur if the physical and mental needs of the animal can be met, the animal chooses to interact, and the activity is supervised by a competent person to ensure the welfare of the animal.
2.6.2	Where animals are to be used for petting zoos and animal encounters, this must be overseen by the regulator responsible for animal welfare.

Note:

Petting zoos and animal encounters are activities undertaken in zoos, agricultural shows, city farms and other locations where animals are kept or assembled for close or ‘hands-on’ contact with children and adults.

RSPCA policies reflect the best available evidence to direct and guide RSPCA and others, to promote and achieve good animal welfare outcomes.

Reference to ‘the RSPCA’ or ‘RSPCA’ in this document means RSPCA Australia and each of the RSPCA Australia member Societies.

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