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RSPCA Policy C02 Performing Animals

2.1RSPCA 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.
2.2Circuses
2.2.1The requirements of circus life are not compatible with the physiological, social and behavioural needs of most animals.
2.2.2RSPCA 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.
2.2.3Where 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.
2.3Film, television, advertising, theatre or any other production
2.3.1Animals 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).
2.3.2Where 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.
2.4Petting zoos and animal encounters
2.4.1Petting 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.
2.4.2RSPCA 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)

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Updated on December 9, 2020

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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https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/rspca-policy-c02-performing-animals/

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