Performing Animals
SPCA advocates for human animal interactions that promote the physical, health, and behavioural needs of the animal before, during, and after the performance.
SPCA encourages people to have positive interactions with animals to help them develop an understanding of and empathy for all animals.
Animals involved in performances must be trained using low-stress, force-free handling and training and have their physical, health, and behavioural needs met throughout the event and at all times whilst not part of the show. Animal show activities must provide animals with the choice of interacting with people and be able to access a suitable and quiet environment with sufficient shelter away from the public. The shows must be closely managed at all times so that interactions between animals and people are supervised and controlled. Any animals involved in a performance must be treated with respect and not objectified or subjected to indignity or ridicule.
SPCA opposes the use of animals for performances where they are likely to experience pain, fear, or distress.
SPCA is against the use of wild animals in performances, travelling exhibitions or shows.
‘Wild animals’ in this context refers to non-domesticated animals.
