| 2.1 | RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of animals for any kind of entertainment, exhibition or performance where injury, pain, suffering or distress is likely to be caused. Animals used in performances must be treated with respect and not objectified or subjected to indignity or ridicule. |
| 2.2 | Circuses |
| 2.2.1 | The requirements of circus life are not compatible with the physiological, social and behavioural needs of most animals. |
| 2.2.2 | RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of animals in circuses unless scientific evidence indicates that the physiological, social and behavioural needs of the species can be adequately met during all aspects of circus life. |
| 2.2.3 | Where any animals are kept or perform in circuses, RSPCA Australia advocates the adoption of compulsory and enforced animal welfare standards and a registration and licensing system. Compliance with compulsory standards for the management, housing and transport of circus animals must be made a condition of licensing. |
| 2.3 | Film, television, advertising, theatre or any other production |
| 2.3.1 | Animals used in the making of films, television programmes, advertising, radio, theatre or any other production must not be caused any injury, pain, suffering or distress for the purpose of their performance or associated training (see RSPCA Policy C07). |
| 2.3.2 | Where any animals are used in films television, advertising, theatre or any other production, RSPCA Australia advocates the adoption of compulsory and enforced animal welfare standards and a registration and licensing system. Compliance with compulsory standards for the management, housing and transport must be made a condition of licensing. |
| 2.4 | Petting zoos and animal encounters |
| 2.4.1 | 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. Such activities must be closely managed to ensure that the handling and feeding of animals by visitors is properly supervised and controlled. Animals must be chosen for their suitability for handling and not be subjected to injury, pain, suffering, distress or excessive disturbance. |
| 2.4.2 | RSPCA Australia advocates the adoption of compulsory and enforced animal welfare standards and a registration and licensing system for the welfare of animals in petting zoos and animal encounters. Compliance with compulsory standards for the management, housing and transport of animals in petting zoos and animal encounters must be made a condition of licensing. |
See also RSPCA Policy E05 Public exhibition of wild animals
(adopted 30/3/2016)
