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Department of Local Government and Regional DevelopmentDepartment of Local Government and Regional Development

[NOTE: This Code is identical to that published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Developmentwith minor typographical errors corrected.]

Contents

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Published by the Department of Local Government and Regional DevelopmentWestern Australia

March, 2003

PREFACE

The Code of practice for the conduct of circuses inWestern Australia is based on the Standards forExhibiting Circus Animals in New South Wales, and hasbeen adopted for use in Western Australia. This Codehas been prepared to assist all persons handling or usingcircus animals in Western Australia, and reference tothis Code is made in Regulations provided under Section25 of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 for the purposes of adefence against cruelty. It is not intended to be used foreither audit or compliance purposes.

It is based on current knowledge and technology. It willbe reviewed in the future on a needs basis, to takeaccount of advances in the understanding of animalphysiology and behaviour, technological changes inanimal husbandry and their relationship to the welfareof animals.

This Code contains the contents of the NSW Code, andmakes reference to legislation and authorities that areapplicable to NSW. Where in the Code, such referencesoccur, they should be read to the extent that they areapplicable to Western Australia.

Further copies of this Code are available from theDepartment of Local Government and RegionalDevelopment or from the Internet at:http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au

Acknowledgement

The Western Australian Department of LocalGovernment and Regional Development acknowledgesthe contribution of NSW Agriculture in the preparationof this Code. To the extent that this Code incorporatesmaterial provided by NSW Agriculture, copyright in thatmaterial is and remains vested in the State of New SouthWales, NSW Agriculture (2003).

PREFACE .......................................................................... 1

DEFINITIONS .................................................................... 2

SUITABILITY AND SAFETY ............................................. 3

Clause 1. Suitability of animal species ........................... 3Clause 2. Responsibilities of the circus

proprietor/manager ......................................... 6Clause 3. Safety ............................................................. 6

HOUSING .......................................................................... 7

Clause 4. Transportation housing .................................. 7Clause 5. Display housing .............................................. 9Clause 6. Night quarters ................................................ 11

BEHAVIOURAL TRAINING ............................................. 12

Clause 7. General requirements .................................. 12Clause 8. Command and bridging signals ................... 13Clause 9. Types of behaviours ..................................... 13Clause 10. Animal dignity ............................................... 14

MEDICAL ......................................................................... 14

Clause 11. Disease/distress/stress ................................ 14Clause 12. Veterinary attention ...................................... 15Clause 13. Drug administration ...................................... 15Clause 14. Euthanasia ................................................... 15

INTERACTION ................................................................ 16

Clause 15. Public/animal interaction .............................. 16Clause 16. Interaction between animals ........................ 16Clause 17. Trainer/handler and animal interaction ........ 18

HUSBANDRY .................................................................. 19

Clause 18. Behavioural enrichment ............................... 19Clause 19. Tethering/harness ......................................... 20Clause 20. Grooming ...................................................... 20Clause 21. Record keeping ............................................ 21

Code of practice for the conduct of circuses in Western Australia2

DEFINITIONS

Animal: Any member of the vertebrates.

Beast wagon: Any wagon, truck, float or van intendedfor the transport, and/or holding and/or static display ofan animal or animals.

Behaviour: Any pattern of action and attitude assumedby an animal.

Big cats: A large member of the cat family which has theability to roar.

Bridging signal: Any signal discernible by an animal andoriginating from a handler or trainer which informs theanimal that a desired behaviour has been completedsatisfactorily.

Box: Any confinement facility that has a roof, four solidsides and a solid floor.

Cage: Any facility that enables close confinement of anyanimal and has at least one vertical side consisting ofmaterial that enables direct viewing of the contents of thefacility.

Camelid: Any member of the camel family (e.g. Arabiancamel, llama, alpaca).

Carnivore: Any canid, felid or ursid.

Cetacean: Any whale (toothed or baleen).

Circus: Any mobile establishment in which animals heldand exhibited therein are made to perform behaviours atthe behest of human handler/trainers for the entertainmentand/or education of members of the public.

Command signal: Any signal discernible by an animaland originating from a handler or trainer which informsthe animal that a given behaviour should be performed.

Disease: Any condition suffered by an animal such thatnormally accepted parameters of health are not met.

Distress: Occurs when the animal’s mechanisms forcoping with stressors are being utilised but not over-extended. Signs of distress may be anxiety, elevated heartand respiration rates, aggression, aversion, frustration,boredom and displacement behaviours. For example, anumber of these signs are evident when an animal isexperiencing a ‘fight or flight’ response.

Domestic animal: Any of the various animals which havebeen domesticated by man, so as to commonly live andbreed in a tame condition.

Enclosure: Any facility that, by use of physical barriers,enables loose confinement of any animal within a givenarea.

Fence: Any structure that comprises a vertical physicalbarrier used either to prevent passage or direct passageof any person or animal.

Float: Any towed wagon intended for the transport ofnormally standing animals.

Flooring: The solid component on the bottom of any cage,stall, float or enclosure.

Handler: Any individual engaged to attend to the physicalplacement, translocation or restraint of any animal, or whocontrols animals in an exhibition situation without modifyingany hitherto existing behaviours.

Harness: The combination of straps, bands and otherparts forming the working gear of a horse or other animal.

Holding park: A site containing permanent non-mobilefacilities for the holding of circus animals which are notcurrently touring with the circus. This includes ex-circusanimals, animals being trained, breeding animals, andtrained animals not currently being used for performance.

Lay-over site: A site where animals on tour with a circusare held while the circus temporarily ceases performances.

Negative reinforcement: Punishment for failure toperform correctly, e.g. the banishment from the trainer orother animals of an individual of a social species, afterfailure to perform the behaviour requested by the trainer.

Pinniped: Any seal, sea-lion or walrus.

Restraint: Any method, be it physical, chemical orbehavioural, of preventing an animal from performing anact or movement that is deemed undesirable at the time.

Site: The area on which a circus is situated.

Stall: Any closely confining enclosure that does not permita standing animal to turn around.

Stress: Occurs when the animal’s mechanisms for copingwith stressors have been over-extended and are breakingdown. This frequently results in increases in the animal’ssusceptibility to disease and reduces its capacity to growand reproduce. Signs of stress may include hair loss,dermatitis, weight loss, stereotypic behaviour, abnormalingestion, scouring, increased incidence of disease, self-mutilation, abnormal activity levels, catatonia, depression,elevated aggression levels, inhibited digestion, asuppressed immune system, and elevated corticosteroidlevels.

Stressor: Any factor that produces stress when it actsexcessively, for example heat, cold, overcrowding,inadequate husbandry, social deprivation, pain, inabilityto exhibit characteristic behaviours.

Substrate: Any bedding or litter placed on the flooring ofa cage, box, stall or enclosure.

Tethering: The tying of an animal to an anchorage.

Trainer: Any person who engages in interaction with ananimal with the purpose of inducing that animal to performa desired behaviour or to modify an existing behaviour ina desired fashion.

Ungulate: Any hoofed animal.

Welfare: State of health and well-being which can becompromised by the effects of disease, injury, pain, stressand deprivation.

Code of practice for conduct of circuses in Western Australia3

SUITABILITY AND SAFETY

Clause 1. Suitability of animalspecies

1.1

Only circus animals that are being trained to performand/or performing on a regular basis are permitted tobe held by touring circuses. Existing non-performinganimals must not be replaced and where possible shallbe relocated to a suitable new environment which meetsexisting standards for the housing of animals in zoos inNSW. See clause 1.2 for exceptions to this clause.

1.2

Travelling circuses may hold some retired performinganimals for breeding purposes, only where they arehoused in accordance with the standards for display setout in this document. The circus must hold a currentauthority to exhibit the species being retained forbreeding. Retention of retired performing animals forbreeding purposes must first be approved by theRegistrar, Exhibited Animals Protection Act (EAPA), afterthe circus has submitted a breeding plan for each animal.The Registrar will assess submitted breeding plansaccording to the following criteria:

(i) The animals involved must be compatible.

(ii) The animals must be of an age and state of healthat which breeding can reasonably be expected tooccur.

(iii) The animals must be held in facilities in whichbreeding and parental care of offspring can bereasonably expected to occur. Facilities for holdingthe males separately from the female and offspringmust be provided where males of the speciesconcerned have a reputation for killing offspring.

(iv) In the case of mammals, regular records must bekept of the female’s oestrus.

(v) Written evidence must be provided prior tobreeding commencing as to the placement of theprogeny in a circus or zoo.

(vi) The animals involved must be sufficientlygenetically distant to minimise any problemsassociated with in-breeding.

(vii) Only one retired pair of each species authorisedfor exhibit (exception: lions and primates where 1male and 2 females may be kept) may continue totravel with the circus for the purposes of breeding.If more than one pair is required for breedingpurposes these additional breeding animals mustbe held in holding parks.

(viii) Breeding should not occur if it can be reasonablyexpected that welfare of the progeny would beadversely affected because of budgetary or spaceconstraints.

(ix) Breeding shall not conflict with the AustralasianSpecies Management Program of the SpeciesManagement Co-ordinating Council.

(x) Breeding should not occur if in the opinion of theRegistrar it would not, for any other reason, be inthe best interests of the species or an individualanimal.

1.3

Personal pets may be held by circus personnel wherethe animal is a recognised domestic species. Self-regulation must be exercised by circus management inthe care and housing of such domestic pets.

1.4

Any animal imported into Australia will not be permittedto be displayed or kept for display by circuses in NSW,until the Registrar, EAPA, is provided with proof that thefollowing items were complied with prior to the animal’sentry into NSW:

(i) That a satisfactory application for each animal actwas first submitted by the agent of the circus ownerto the Registrar, EAPA, at least 2 months prior tothe animals arriving in NSW. It is desirable thatthis application be accompanied by a video ordiagrammatic presentation of the animal act, andthe housing and transport facilities to be used whenperforming in NSW.

(ii) That the animals were transported to Australia inaccordance with accepted international standardsgoverning the health, welfare and safety of animalsin transit.

(iii) That the manager responsible for each act hasensured that each trainer understands the level ofanimal care expected under these standards. Thismay involve questioning of the managerresponsible for each respective act by the ExhibitedAnimals Advisory Committee (EAAC) or itsrepresentative, to demonstrate the manager’sknowledge of this document.

(iv) That upon entry to Australia the animals wereexamined by a registered veterinarian experiencedwith the family of animals involved, and that eachindividual animal was certified as being in goodhealth prior to training and performancerecommencing.

(v) That prior to undertaking performances in NSW aveterinarian nominated by the EAAC clears eachanimal for performance in NSW.


Any imported circus animals arriving in NSW in breachof the above requirements will not be authorised to beexhibited and must be held off display or moved out ofNSW.

1.5

Hybrid animals (excluding the donkey/horse cross -‘mule’) are not considered appropriate animals forcircuses. Existing hybrid animals must not be replacedand where possible every effort must be made to placethe animals in a suitable new environment which meetsexisting standards for the housing of animals in zoos inNSW.

1.6

Different species capable of cross-mating must not behoused together. This clause does not apply whileanimals are performing or being trained together in thecircus ring. Any progeny from accidental matings mustnot be exhibited.

1.7

Social species shall not be exhibited as singlespecimens unless compelling reasons can be shown.

1.8 Species groups

1.8.A Big cats

Lions – In the wild, lions are basically sedentaryindividuals. They only become active duringhunting, feeding, fighting, territorial marking ormating.

These active periods have been shown to occupyonly a very small part of the normal waking hoursof lions, making lions a more suitable big cat tobe kept in circuses than other species of big cats.

In captivity, the urge to hunt must be sublimated,otherwise boredom and the associatedbehavioural problems may set in. Training lionsto perform behaviours on command may offsetboredom. The natural instincts being utilisedduring training include:

(i) The instinct for lions to work as a team.

(ii) The expenditure of physical energy.

(iii) The performance of certain physicalmovements (such as leaping, rearing,running, etc.).

(iv) The anticipation of reward.

Lions form prides with a hierarchy. This can beexploited by the trainer so that the animals lookto the trainer for guidance. Stimuli emanating fromthe trainer via training to perform tricks helps tocater for the natural behavioural tendencies of thelions.

Other big cats – Less suitable than lions, as lionsare unique in being a social cat species. Mostother big cats are solitary species who do not seekprolonged close physical contact with otherindividuals of their species.

1.8.B Dogs

Dogs are hierarchical pack animals that respondvery well to being controlled by a human. Becauseof their long standing association with humansand the bonds they form with them, they are nolonger considered to be held in captivity.

1.8.C Ungulates and camelids

Some species of ungulates and camelids areconsidered domesticated by society at large. Theirprolonged contact and co-existence with humanshas rendered them tractable. Humans have alsodeveloped a good body of knowledge and a highlevel of stockmanship with these animals.

Male camels like male elephants periodicallyundergo ‘musth’ during which they are potentiallydangerous. In this instance castration of individualmale camels remains the responsibility of thecircus proprietor if this is deemed necessary.

For the purposes of this document commentsconcerning ungulates cover the commonly heldcircus ungulates (horses, donkeys, ponies, sheep,cattle and goats). Comments concerningcamelids include camels, llamas and alpacas.

1.8.D Elephants

Elephants are herd animals that can be welltrained to respond to commands as a result oftheir natural tendency to follow a leader if a leaderpresents itself. Because they are social animals,they appear able to relate to humans in terms oftheir own social structures. In time, they come toassociate humans as a source of food and socialstimuli. This association can be used by humanson a rewards basis for training. Humans in chargeof elephants should never prove themselves tobe a source of stressful stimuli otherwise theanimals will no longer tend to ‘trust’ that humanand allow themselves to be led by that human.

Male elephants periodically undergo a conditionknown as ‘musth’ in which they are moreaggressive and sexually active. A musth bullelephant will attack anything that it perceives tobe a rival, and is therefore potentially verydangerous, especially in captivity. Because of thisit is recommended that Australian circuses do nothold bull elephants except where a documentedmanageable safe history can be demonstrated.

Elephants are intelligent, inquisitive and socialcreatures, and therefore circuses should notattempt to maintain single elephants. Existing


circuses that hold elephants may acquire singleanimals to add to their existing group, howevernew circuses wishing to obtain elephants for thefirst time must acquire two or more compatibleanimals. Elephants kept in circuses must besupplied with mental stimulation, avenues of playand social contact with other elephants. Regulartraining will provide some of the necessarystimulation, providing the training is based onpositive reinforcement only. This training shouldinvolve the introduction of new behaviours andthe modification of existing routines.

It is now considered unacceptable to tetherelephants via the use of metal leg bands andchains, therefore any circus considering holdingelephants must be competent in containingelephants via the use of electric fencing for themajority of daylight hours every day. For safetyreasons tethers will be allowed at night, duringstorms, when the elephant trainer/handler istemporarily absent from the circus, and inemergency situations.

1.8.E Monkeys/chimpanzees

Monkeys and apes are intensely hierarchical, veryintelligent social animals. Their association withhumans is based on their perception of humansbeing a source of food and other types of rewards,as well as their (preferred) perception of humansbeing at the top of their social order. Given propercare and facilities, most individuals adapt toexistence in a circus. This care includes constantsources of mental stimuli. Training on an ongoingbasis must be pursued to provide a regular sourceof mental stimuli.

Their amenability to training is due to their highintelligence and inquisitive nature. Both thesetendencies are well catered for if the animals arebeing trained. Their intelligence also means thatthey need constant stimulation when not trainingor performing otherwise they become bored andfrustrated.

Large apes (orangutans and gorillas) and arborealapes (gibbons) are unsuitable animals for thecircus environment due to their large living spacerequirements, and therefore must not be held byAustralian circuses.

1.8.F Birds

The need in birds for large display cages to allownatural flight and their nervous nature aroundhumans generally renders them unsuitableanimals for circuses. The exceptions to this aredomesticated pigeons and doves, domesticpoultry and parrots. Parrots can be suitable circusanimals as they are intelligent enough to associatethe performance of desired behaviours withobtaining a reward.

This is the primary driving force behind theirtrainability. In a display situation, these birds mayamuse themselves by performing for passers-by,and thus avoid boredom.

In the case of domesticated pigeons and doves,their long association with man has renderedthem less stressed due to handling, making themsuitable birds for the circus environment.

Some birds learn to form a social attachment withtheir handlers or trainers. This attachmentappears to be rewarding for the birds in that itappears to cater for their social tendencies andis to be encouraged.

1.8.G Bears

Circuses may hold bears if their performanceemploys the following method:

(i) in an arena cage, such as that used for theperformance of big cats, in which casemuzzles will not be mandatory; and that

(ii) entry to the arena cage is via an enclosedraceway or some other means by which theanimal is enclosed.

When not performing, bears must not be muzzledunless such muzzling is required for short periodsfor medical access or circumstances whenhandlers must enter an enclosure containingbears. It will not be permitted to declaw or detootha bear unless such surgery is required for theanimal’s health.

Because bears spend the majority of their time inthe wild roaming, the size of their display cageswill have to be maximised. The Exhibited AnimalsAdvisory Committee has not yet considered cagesizes for display and transportation, and thehusbandry requirements for bears in circuses.

1.8.H Pinnipeds

Circuses may hold pinnipeds only where the sizedimensions and standards being developed forstatic displays of pinnipeds in zoos, can be metin the circus environment. The Exhibited AnimalsAdvisory Committee has not yet considered cagesizes for the static display and transportation ofpinnipeds.

1.8.I Reptiles

The only reptile species permitted to be held bycircuses are pythons, as they are considered tobe traditional circus animals. Where pythons areheld the display must meet the standards currentlybeing developed for the static display of reptilesin NSW, and the circus must hold more than asingle python to allow for rotational use of anumber of animals.


1.8.J Amphibians

Due to their untrainable nature circuses may nothold amphibian species.

1.8.K Fish

Due to their untrainable nature, circuses may nothold fish species.

1.8.L Cetacea

Due to the inability for circuses to provide theproper facilities of large enough size to maintainthe health and well-being of cetacea, circuses maynot hold cetacea species.

Clause 2. Responsibilities ofthe circus proprietor/manager

Display sites

2.1

The circus proprietor/manager shall only choose displaysites which maximise the size available to the animals.At all times the display dimensions available to theanimals must not fall below the minimum sizes set outin this document.

2.2

Animals must not be housed on a sealed surface (e.g.bitumen, concrete, etc.). The only instances where thisis allowable is where the sealed surface is first coveredby a suitable material which will absorb the heat andcold effects of the sealed surface.

2.3

It is permissible for animals to be housed off-site inalternative suitable and adequately spaced areas whenanimal husbandry demands or when stagingperformances at indoor venues.

Animal care

2.4

During all stages of animal performance, the audiencemust be encouraged to treat the animals with respect.

2.5

Animals must be provided with shelter from climaticextremes at all times, and access to drinking water mustbe available to all animals when the circus is not inmotion.

2.6

Young animals must not be removed from the companyof their own species so that they become ‘imprinted’exclusively on humans. Every effort should be made to

imprint the animal on members of its own species priorto the animal becoming ‘humanised’.

2.7

Trainers/handlers should be encouraged to have a longtenure with their animals in order to develop a solidrelationship with their charges.

Clause 3. Safety

3.1

All circuses must have mobile phones, enabling fastaccess to police, ambulance and veterinarians.

3.2

All circuses must have a trained First Aid Officer whoholds a current First Aid Certificate.

3.3

All applications to hold animals by circuses must beaccompanied by an escape/recapture plan for eachanimal species held. These plans should be reviewedon a regular basis and a drill held once a month so allemployed circus staff are aware of the plans and how toput them into action if it becomes necessary.

3.4

Entrances to the circus ring, exercise yards and animaltransportation trailers containing non-domestic animalsmust be installed so that the gate or door swings inwards.

3.5

A keyed lock must be used for all doors, gates, andslides giving access to enclosures which are used tohold non-domestic animals.

3.6

The circus ring must be adequately illuminated duringany period in which animals are housed within, andwarning signs must be placed on entrance doors intothe ring to advise that animals are in the ring where thisoccurs outside of performance times.

3.7

Stand-off barriers of a minimum distance of 2 metresfrom the display cage, must be used when non-domesticspecies are on public display.

3.8

The escape of a permit animal (e.g. lion, monkey,elephant, etc.) must immediately be notified to theRegistrar, Exhibited Animals Section, NSW Agriculture.Failure to do so is an offence carrying a maximumpenalty of $1000.


3.9

Any incident involving the death of a person or injury toa person that requires medical treatment, if the deathor injury was caused by an animal to which the NSWAgriculture authority to exhibit relates, must be reportedto the Registrar, Exhibited Animals Section, NSWAgriculture. Failure to do so is an offence carrying amaximum penalty of $1000.

HOUSING

Clause 4. Transportationhousing

4.1

If the distance to be covered entails more than two hourstravelling, a regular stop must be made in order toinspect the animals and their facilities, and to offer waterto all animals, and food if necessary. (Water should beremoved from the facilities prior to the convoy resumingmotion if it is likely to provide a risk of spilling ordrowning.)

4.2

There must be a stationary period of no less than12 hours in any 24-hour period when moving betweenvenues and/or lay-over sites.

4.3

Each vehicle carrying animals should be fitted with aradio transceiver and all vehicles should use the sameoperating frequency to allow for ready communication.If no radio transceivers are available, a vehicle notengaged in the transport of animals must follow at therear, to ensure that assistance can be rendered in theevent of an emergency.

4.4

If animal transportation vehicles stop for longer than a15-minute period during the day in an area away from abuilt-up township, beast wagons must have their sidesopened to allow fresh air and sunlight to enter theanimals’ quarters when weather permits.

4.5

All circuses in Australia must provide facilities to enableappropriate transport of their animals from venue tovenue. These facilities must include adequate ventilationfor the animals.

4.6

There must be at least two extended lay-over periods,of at least two weeks separate duration each year, whentransportation equipment can be overhauled and theanimals rested from training/performance.

4.7

When circuses are at lay-over sites they must ensurethat the animal housing provided complies with thestandards for display outlined in this document.

4.8

When any circus animals are held in holding parks inNSW (e.g. retired animals, breeding animals, or displayanimals being rested), animal housing must be providedwhich satisfies the requirements for each species setout under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act for a staticanimal display.

4.9

A maximum five-year phasing in period will be givenduring which existing equipment can be replaced ormodified. Each circus will develop a five-year phasingin program in conjunction with Exhibited AnimalsProtection Act Inspectors to allow for a workable programof purchasing new equipment. All equipment thatconforms to the new standards will have its complianceregistered and the compliance registration numberstamped on the main structure of the facility.

The circus proprietor must have the compliancedocumentation always in his/her possession. Facilitieswithout compliance documentation after the end of thefive-year period will be deemed illegal.

4.10

Circuses must comply with all other transportrequirements not specific to circus transportation, forexample the Standards for the Transportation ofExhibited Animals must also be complied with in NSW.

4.11 Species groups

4.11.A Big cats

A.1 Since big cats tend to defecate in one givenarea of the cage, the food presentation andsleeping areas should be set as far awayas possible from these areas to preventfaecal contamination of food and bedding.Where cats are seen not to practice thissort of ‘cage discipline’, containers andbedding must be raised above cage floorlevel.

A.2 Flooring in the cages must be waterproofand graded to enable quick drainage anddrying after cleaning. Hardwood plankingis the minimum acceptable flooring materialbut this material is very hard to keephygienically clean. A new material that hasbeen a success recently is the use of steelplating covered in a waterproof plasticcoating. Straw bedding which is changedregularly will provide adequate insulationand padding.


A.3 All facilities which house carnivores mustonly allow access through a double lockeddoor which allows clear vision into theenclosure. The animals must be excludedfrom the area before the keeper/handlerenters.

A.4 Transport facilities which hold carnivoresmust provide adequate insulation materialfrom the heat effects of the sun while stillmaintaining adequate ventilation into thewagon.

A.5 The transport compartment for each big catmust provide enough space to allow theanimal to assume normal standing posture,lie down fully stretched, and turn around,without physical contact with neighbouringanimals.

4.11.B Dogs

B.1 Dogs must not be transported unrestrainedon the backs of open vehicles.


C.1 Ungulates and camelids must betransported in floats which have internalpartitioning (stalls) to safely restrain eachindividual animal. The float must have anavailable roofing material to provide shadeand shelter from rain or other inclementweather. The float must be solid sided withapertures to admit light and ventilation, andallow adequate visual inspection of allanimals contained within.

C.2 Ungulates and camelids of the same sizehoused together for transportation are notrequired to be provided with separate stalls.Where animals are of differing sizes andweights separate stalls must be providedto eliminate crushing of smaller animals.Under both methods of transportation,stalling and group housing, each animalmust be sufficiently contained so that itcannot turn around. As added protectionfor horses and ponies a padded breast baris compulsory within each stall where theseare used.

C.3 Feed cribs may only be used if they cannotcause the ungulates injury in any way.

C.4 Ungulates must not be held solely in theirtransportation floats while the circus is at aperformance site. The exceptions to thisare when the float is the best form of shelterfor a sick animal, or in inclement weather,in which case proper bedding and hygienicconditions must be maintained.

C.5 For transportation of camels the floor of thetransportation vehicle must not beconstructed in a manner which will injure

the pedicle and the pads on rear legs. Thebase of the transportation vehicle shouldbe free of protrusions which woulddiscourage the camels from sitting downduring transportation. As camels normallysit during transportation, if they are to betethered, the tether must be of sufficientlength to allow their free movement up anddown.

4.11.D Elephants

D.1 Except in short-term exceptionalcircumstances elephants must betransported in enclosed floats. The floatmust be strong enough to withstand theweight of an elephant either leaning orbeing thrown against the side walls. Theymust be well ventilated to prevent build-upof heat and waste gases.

D.2 During transportation each elephant mustbe sufficiently contained so that it can standup normally but is unable to turn aroundthereby causing itself possible injury. Thiscan be achieved by stalling each individualelephant or housing each elephant side byside widthways across their transportationvehicle. Nothing that can cause injury toan elephant must be present inside thetransportation vehicle. The vehicle mustallow adequate and safe inspection of allelephants being transported.

D.3 During transportation, dry fodder may beoffered to elephants provided it is containedin a feed crib that is within easy reach ofthe animals, but that cannot cause theelephants injury in any way.


E.1 Due to the fact that the transport wagonfor primates often also acts as the displayfacility for them, the transport facilities mustbe designed to take in the total needs ofthe housed primates. Where primates donot defecate in a particular area of theirwagon the food presentation and sleepingareas should be raised above cage floorlevel to prevent faecal contamination ofthese areas.

E.2 Compartments for transporting primatesmust provide sufficient space to allow eachanimal to assume normal standing posture,lie down fully stretched, and turn around.Where individuals are known to displayaggression towards each other, or in thecase of nursing mothers these individualsmust be physically but not visuallyseparated for transport from others of theirspecies. In other instances primate speciesmay travel in group situations.


E.3 Hardwood flooring is an acceptablematerial for the transport wagons ofprimates. Bedding of a suitable materialmust be provided at all times.

E.4 All facilities to house primates must onlyhave access to the animals through adouble locked door which allows clearvision into the enclosure. The animals mustbe excluded from this area before thekeeper enters.

E.5 Transport facilities which hold primatesmust provide insulation from the heateffects of the sun while maintainingadequate ventilation.

4.11.F Birds

F.1 During transportation birds must becontained in small cages to providephysical protection.

F.2 A perch must be provided that is highenough above the cage floor that the birdusing the perch has all extremities(including feathers) at least 6 centimetresabove the cage floor regardless of theposture of the bird.

F.3 The cage must be large enough that thebird contained can extend its head, feet,wingtips and any feathers, and be able toturn around regardless of its posture,whether or not it is on its perch, withouttouching any cage walls, ceiling or solidcage furniture.

Clause 5. Display housing

5.1

Exercise facilities for animals are mandatory and mustbe provided at each venue. Wherever possible thedisplay dimensions should be maximised, thedimensions outlined in this document for each animalare minimum sizes only. Animals must not be maintainedin transportation wagons for greater than two dayswithout exercise.

5.2

Where animal trailers form the basis for the displayfacilities they must contain platforms raised off floor levelwhich are kept dry, providing an area that the animalscan retreat to while the floor is cleaned and while it dries.

5.3 Species groups

5.3.A Big cats

A.1 When at a performance site big cats musthave access to exercise areas in the formof large demountable enclosures annexedto the beast wagons. Such annexes must

be available for a minimum of 6 daylighthours each day. Annexes should beconstructed from steel tube framedinterlocking mesh panels or other acceptablematerials of sufficient strength to contain bigcats. These annexes must provide the catswith access to the ground (i.e. natural earthsubstrate).

A.2 Minimum display dimensions for big cats

A.3 Any display housing facility for big cats musthave the capacity to mount, either within thewagon itself or outside the wagon, a suitablecage to enable physical restraint for safeveterinary examination or administration ofdrugs.

A.4 Big cat display enclosures must have accessto sunlight and shade from direct sunlightduring daylight hours. Drinking water andshelter from climatic extremes must beprovided at all times, to satisfy the needs ofall the cats housed within.

A.5 Access to the animals must be through adouble locked door which allows clear visioninto the enclosure. The animals must beexcluded from the area into which thehandler/keeper is entering.

5.3.B Dogs

B.1 Minimum display dimensions for dogs

Minimum floor space for one animal (m2) 20

Floor space for each additional animal (m2) 10

Minimum height (m) 2

Minimum width (m) 2.4

Small/medium dogs (under

15 kg)

Large dogs (over 15 kg or above 0.5 m

height at rump)

Minimum floor space for one pair (m2)

4.5 6

Increased floor space for each additional animal (m2)

2.25 3

Minimum width (m)

3 3

B.2 The enclosure material must be suitablystrong to contain the dogs.

B.3 Where dogs are confined via the use ofrunning leashes, see Clause 19.1.B B1 forminimum requirements.

B.4 The area in which the dogs are kept whilenot performing must have access to sunlightand shade from direct sunlight duringdaylight hours. Drinking water and shelter


from climatic extremes must be provided atall times of the day to satisfy the needs of allthe dogs.


C.1 Ungulates and camelids must be confinedin a compound by ordinary or electric fencingwhen at the performance site.

C.2 Minimum display enclosure sizes for thecommon circus ungulates

C.3 The compound must have access to sunlightand shade from direct sunlight duringdaylight hours. Drinking water and shelterfrom climatic extremes must be provided atall times to satisfy the needs of all theungulates held within the compound. Theground underfoot where possible must beclean, well-drained, non-abrasive and notstony.

C.4 The display compound must contain noknown harmful ingestibles within theanimal’s reach.

Camels and goats in particular tend to beindiscriminate browsers, with theconsequence that any access to poisonousplants or harmful materials (such as plasticbags) may have adverse affects.

C.5 Under some circumstances the tethering ofungulates for short periods of time isacceptable. See Clause 19.1.C C1 forminimum requirements.

C.6 Horses and ponies may be contained via theuse of stabling where the use of outdoorcompounds is not available. In theseinstances stables must be at least 2.5 mhigh, with a minimum floor area of 12 m2 forone horse, and 9 m2 for one pony. Withinthe stables the animals must not be tetheredand must have visual contact with others oftheir species. Appropriate bedding anddrainage must be provided and the stablesmust be adequately ventilated, with lightingthat is as natural as possible.

5.3.D Elephants

D.1 Elephants must be confined in a compoundby electric fencing for the majority of daylighthours when at the performance site.

D.2 Minimum display dimensions for Asiaticelephants

Horse/donkey/ camel/pony

Sheep/goat/ cattle

Area for one animal (m2)

100 50

Area for additional animal (m2)

50 25

Minimum width (m)

6 2.5

Single or pair of elephants (m2) 600

Each extra elephant 200

Minimum width (m) 10

D.3 Under some circumstances the tethering ofelephants for short periods of time isacceptable. See Clause 19.1.D D1 forminimum requirements.

D.4 The compound must have access to sunlightand shade from direct sunlight duringdaylight hours. Drinking water and shelterfrom climatic extremes must be provided atall times to satisfy the needs of all theelephants held within the compound. Theground underfoot where possible must beclean, well-drained, non-abrasive and notstony.


E.1 When at a performance site all primatesmust be given access to display areas inaccordance with the size dimensionsoutlined in 5.3.E.2. If this area requirementis not provided within the travelling wagonitself, demountable enclosures annexed tothe primates’ beast wagon must be provided.Annexes should be constructed from steeltube framed interlocking mesh panels orother acceptable materials of sufficientstrength to contain primates. These exerciseareas must be available at all times duringdaylight hours.

E.2 Minimum display dimensions for primates

Small primates (macaque

sized)

Large primates (chimpanzees and baboons)

Minimum floor space for one animal (m2)

5 20

Increased floor space for each additional animal (m2)

2.5 10

Minimum height (m)

2.5 2.5

Minimum width (m)

2.4 2.4


E.3 Due to their extreme activity level primateshave one of the highest living spacerequirements. Cage sizes must bemaximised. The utilisation of cage volumemust be maximised by fixing climbingelements within the cage (such as solidbranches, mezzanine floors, etc.) to utilisethe dimension of height.

E.4 Primates of different species may mix in thedisplay areas provided that there is noevidence of interspecies aggression.

E.5 Primates must be kept occupied as muchas possible when not performing or training.This can be achieved through the use ofdurable toys, swings, climbing elements,grips and perches. These playthings mustbe changed regularly to provide a periodicchange in stimuli.

E.6 Access to the primates must be through adouble locked door which allows clear visioninto the enclosure. Primates must beexcluded from the area before the handler/keeper enters.

E.7 The enclosure must have access to sunlightand shade from direct sunlight duringdaylight hours. Drinking water and shelterfrom climatic extremes must be provided atall times to satisfy the needs of all theprimates within the enclosure.

5.3.F Birds

F.1 Once the circus has arrived at theperformance venue, birds must be releasedas soon as possible from their travellingcages into their display cages.

F.2 Perches must consist of uneven diameternatural tree branches which do not have anabrasive surface. At least one perch per birdin the cage shall be of a sufficient heightabove the floor of the cage that all tailfeathers of the bird are at least 6 centimetresabove the floor of the cage, regardless ofthe posture of the bird.

F.3 If the species held in a cage is capable offlight the dimensions of the cage must besufficient for a bird of that species to be ableto attain active flight within the cages bytaking five unhurried wingbeats along thelength of the cage.

F.4 If the species in the cage is capable of flightthen, for a single bird, the cage width shouldbe no less than 1.5 times the wingspan ofan adult of that species. For each additionalbird the width should be increased by at leasthalf the wingspan of an adult of that species.

F.5 Individuals that fight must be assignedseparate, appropriately dimensionedfacilities.

F.6 The cage must have access to sunlight andshade from direct sunlight during daylighthours. Drinking water and shelter fromclimatic extremes must be provided at alltimes to satisfy the needs of all the birdswithin the cage.

F.7 If impervious flooring is to be used, then acage substrate must be used which isplentiful and absorbent. The substrate mustbe changed weekly.

F.8 Display cages holding birds must be placedwell away from any animals that may causethem to injure themselves through cagepanic.

F.9 The exhibition cages must be set aboveground to provide the birds with protectionfrom predators.

Clause 6. Night quarters

6.1

Since most caged animals tend to defecate in one givenarea of the cage, the food presentation and sleepingareas must be set as far away as possible from theseareas to prevent faecal contamination of food andbedding. Where animals are seen not to practice thissort of ‘cage discipline’, containers and bedding areasmust be raised above cage floor level. Water and foodcontainers should never be placed under perches in thecase of birds.

6.2 Species groups

6.2.A Big cats

A.1 The night quarters of big cats may consistof their transportation wagons. Big cats musthave access to dry overnight shelter whichprovides protection from climatic extremes.

A.2 Bedding in the form of dry straw or othersuitable material changed daily must beprovided for the cats.

6.2.B Dogs

B.1 Dogs must have access to dry shelterovernight which provides protection fromclimatic extremes.

B.2 Suitable bedding material must be providedfor insulation. An area free of bedding mustalso be available for each dog at night.



C.1 Ungulates and camelids must have accessto overnight shelter which will protect theanimals from climatic extremes.

6.2.D Elephants

D.1 Elephants must have access to overnightshelter which will protect the elephants fromclimatic extremes.


E.1 The night quarters of primates may consistof their transportation wagons. Primatesmust have access to dry overnight shelterwhich provides protection from climaticextremes.

E.2 A form of bedding material must be providedfor insulation. Suitable materials include drystraw and shredded newspaper.

6.2.F Birds

F.1 Within their exhibition cages, birds musthave high perches and/or night boxes toprovide shelter for them when they roost forthe night. These should be set well awayfrom the sides of the cages to prevent cagepanic.

BEHAVIOURAL TRAINING

Clause 7. Generalrequirements

7.1

Animals shall receive at least 45 minutes exercise perday in the form of training sessions and/or publicperformance. For the rest of daylight hours the animalmust have access to the display cage size dimensionsfor a minimum of 6 daylight hours per day.

7.2

The training methods used must not be capable ofcausing distress, pain or injury to any animal involved,in the long or short term. For this reason the use of firein animal acts is prohibited.

7.3

When the animals are being trained care must beexercised in ensuring that the skeletomusculature of theanimal is developing or has developed sufficiently tomeet the demands placed on it by the training.

7.4

All training must be discontinued if a worseningmusculoskeletal condition manifests itself, until thiscondition and its cause are properly diagnosed andtreated by a veterinary surgeon experienced with thespecies of animal involved.

7.5

Special care must be exercised with young growinganimals and old animals with training regimes beingmodified accordingly.

7.6

An animal which is clinically ill must not be trained untila veterinary surgeon experienced with the species ofanimal involved states that the animal has fully recoveredor is capable of training or performing.

7.7

All training methods must be based on a positivereinforcement approach (i.e. the anticipation of a rewardfor successfully completing a desired behaviour).Negative reinforcement (i.e. the completion of a desiredbehaviour to avoid punishment for failure to ‘performcorrectly’) must never be used.

7.8

The reward for the successful completion of a desiredbehaviour must be immediate and tangible for theanimal.

7.9

Physical punishment is not permissible on any animal.

7.10

Any stools, ladders, planks or steps used as props musteither be fixed to the ring sides or have a wide enoughbase to be sufficiently stable. If there are any woodelements within these items, this wood must not besplintery or split. Any props must be well designed andas simple as possible.

When deciding on the colour of a prop that the animalmust be able to see in order to utilise it properly, it shouldbe remembered that most animals are colour blind andtherefore the colour of the prop should contrast clearlywith that of its background. As animals’ eyes aresensitive to shape and motion the shape of the propshould also contrast with that of its background in orderto enhance its visibility to the animal.

Swirling designs on the prop that break up its outlineshould not be used as they make the prop harder for ananimal to see. The same should apply to the inside ofthe circus ring.


Clause 8. Command andbridging signals

8.1

No training or command implement must be used insuch a manner that pain, injury or distress will be inflictedon the animal.

8.2

Any device capable of administering an electric shockmust not be used for training animals for performance.

8.3

Elephant hooks must have a probe (blunt) point on thehook, and must never be applied in a painful manner.Gentle pressure to the ears, or to the elbows with thehook is acceptable. All other guiding pressures shouldbe applied with the butt or the side of the stick.

8.4

Collars, head collars or leads should not be jerked orpulled forcefully in order to guide an animal.

8.5

Rattans (canes) and other types of rods may be used topush or guide an animal, and they may be struck againsteach other or against apparatus to provide a noisestimulus, but they must not be used to strike an animal.The ends of these devices must always be blunt.

8.6

The use of sharp spurs, or spurs with fixed rowels, isnot permitted under any circumstances for the trainingof animals.

8.7

All training implements must be non-toxic to animals byvirtue of their composition and construction.

8.8

Animals must not be struck with any training deviceunless the safety of humans or other animals is underdirect threat.

Clause 9. Types of behaviours

9.1

Trained behaviours must incorporate bodily movementsthat are within the enhanced normal physical capabilityof the animal. Animals must not perform movementsthat carry a high risk of injury.

9.2

The apparatus that animals may make use of in thecourse of their trained behaviours must be easy for themto use and have minimal foreseeable potential to causethem injury.

9.3

Animals unwilling, for whatever reason, to perform adesired behaviour, must not be forced to continue.

* If any animal is unwilling to perform a desiredbehaviour, it will:

(i) initially refuse, or baulk at performing the behaviour;

(ii) attempt to please the trainer by performing analternative behaviour;

(iii) perform a displacement activity (such as agrooming manoeuvre) which may be stereotypicalin nature;

(iv) attempt to escape the proximity of the trainer.

9.4

It is considered essential that animals be constantlyprovided with minor changes in their behaviouralrepertoire.

• This will provide a constant level of mentalstimulation for the animals. The level of variationinstigated will always remain the prerogative of thetrainer. This variation is intended for the benefit ofthe animals. If it becomes apparent that variationis causing distress in the animals, then variationshould either be decreased or ceased altogether.

9.5

Trainers must halt a training session if decreasedattention span and an increasing level of unwillingnessto perform a behaviour by the animal becomes apparent.

• This should be taken as a signal that the animalhas ‘had enough’. The exposure level that animalsare able to cope with is very much dependent onthe individual animal. It is important that the trainersdevelop sufficient rapport with their charges todetect signs that the training session should beterminated for the moment.

9.6 Species groups

9.6.A Big cats

Lions and other big cats may be trained to performthe following basic behaviours on command:

Stationing (each animal to its own perch);assemblage (animals arranged together invarious groups and postures); rearing; leaping(over obstacles, through hoops (but not hoops of


fire), onto narrow perches, etc.); vocalising; rolling;close contact with handler (trainer lying againstor sitting on animal, ‘shaking hands’, manualopening of jaws, etc.); balancing acts (runningalong narrow plank, etc.).

9.6.B Dogs

Dogs may be trained to perform the followingbasic behaviours on command:

Stationing; assemblage; bipedal walking anddancing; vocalising; leaping on or over or throughvarious objects; rolling; retrieving objects.


Ungulates and camelids may be trained toperform the following basic behaviours oncommand:

Assemblage; stationing; gait changes oncommand; ‘dancing’; rearing; bipedal walking (notcamelids); foot tapping; vocalising; prehension ofobjects (e.g. retrieving a scarf); wheeling;synchronised movement.

9.6.D Elephants

Elephants may be trained to perform the followingbasic behaviours on command:

Stationing; assemblage; rearing; vocalising;prehension (with the trunk); wheeling; balancingacts (restricted to cylinders not balls); weightlifting; dancing.

Elephants need to be accustomed to taking ordersfrom humans so that everyday handling is not atrauma, either for the animals or the handler.Because they are social animals, they also appearto benefit psychologically from the stimuli providedby their trainers and from the training andperformance of desired behaviours.


Primates may be trained to perform the followingbasic behaviours on command:

Stationing; assemblage; balancing and climbingacts (may include the use of apparatus); objectretrieval; vocalisation; ‘dancing’; riding (on theback of other animal species).

9.6.F Birds

Birds may be trained to perform the followingbasic behaviours on command:

Stationing; assemblage; vocalising; ‘dancing’;balancing acts (may involve the use of apparatus);object prehension and retrieval.

Clause 10. Animal dignity

10.1

For performance purposes it is acceptable toceremonially dress animals as traditionally practisedhistorically and culturally.

10.2

No costume shall be used that belittles the animal.

MEDICAL

Clause 11. Disease/distress/stress

11.1

Regular inspection and evaluation of animal housing bycircus staff must take place when feeding and cleaning,to monitor hygiene levels and potential problems.

11.2

Recognising signs of distress and stress andascertaining the causes of such is vital. The causes mustthen be removed or alleviated as much as is possible.Veterinary advice should be obtained where thecausation can not be identified.

Signs of psychological distress and stress include:

(i) self mutilation of no dermatological cause;

(ii) excessive self grooming;

(iii) repetitive stereotypical behaviour;

(iv) changes in eating, defecating and urination habits;

(v) abnormal aggression or withdrawal either towardkeepers or toward its cage mates.

11.3

Animal excrement must be removed from the animal’senvironment as soon as possible. The methods usedfor removal must not be a source of stress to the animalconcerned.

11.4

All tools, utensils and working surfaces associated withthe preparation of food for animal consumption must bekept clean and in good repair.

11.5

All food offered to animals must be clean, fresh,appropriate and wholesome.


Clause l2. Veterinary attention

12.1

Each circus must establish a regular arrangement withveterinary surgeons who have specialised knowledgeof circus animals. These veterinarians must check allcircus animals on a six-monthly basis regardless of theirstate of health. Where the regular veterinarian isunavailable, sick or injured animals should be examinedby a local veterinarian who should be provided with theregular veterinarian’s contact address and phonenumber.

12.2

Copies of all medical records pertaining to each circusanimal must be maintained by the circus and travel withthe animal in a central accessible location. Copies ofmedical records must travel with the animals to ensureany consulting veterinarian can immediately view themedical record of a particular animal.

12.3

Circuses must maintain an up-to-date list and localityguide of suitably qualified veterinarians and makethemselves familiar with the name and location of thenearest veterinarian upon arriving at a given venue.

12.4

If any treatment commenced involves the use of aprescription scheduled drug, the advice and attendanceof a registered veterinarian must be sought. Should asuitably qualified veterinarian not be available, the adviceof one must be gained verbally over the phone andconfirmed by fax or letter for the animal’s medical record.

12.5

If a disease condition is diagnosed by a veterinarian thatrequires hospitalisation, either the animal should beremoved for treatment or if the space is available hospitalfacilities can be set up within the circus. These wouldcomprise of a separated area within the existing facilitieswhere the animal can be contained, isolated, monitoredand nursed if necessary.

12.6

If a diagnosed disease involves an infectious agent thatrenders it communicable to other animals, or to humans,a hospital area within the circus must be quarantined.Only selected staff shall have access to the area anddisinfection measures should be devised under theguidance of the attending veterinarian to prevent thespread of the disease.

12.7

Surgery of any sort must only be performed by aregistered veterinarian. Declawing of big cats must onlybe undertaken in the circumstances set out in the NSWPrevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation1981, Clause 6A (3b). Under no circumstances is thedetoothing of a big cat an acceptable surgery procedureunless the detoothing is necessary to improve theanimal’s health.

12.8

Veterinary opinion must be sought before movinganimals in late stages of pregnancy.

Clause l3. Drug administration

13.1

S4 and S8 drugs administered to animals in a circusmust be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.Administration of drugs may be performed by circus staffwith previous experience in the procedures, but only atthe direction of a veterinarian. Circus staff should beaware of the limitations that the Veterinary SurgeonsAct and Poisons Act place on what procedures may beperformed by lay people. In other States equivalentlegislation will need to be consulted.

13.2

In the use of non-prescription drugs labelled directionsmust be followed.

13.3

All animals must be properly restrained for injections.Sterile disposable needles and syringes must be usedfor all injections. Darts may be used if necessary.

Clause l4. Euthanasia

14.1

The decision to perform euthanasia is ultimately theresponsibility of the circus proprietor or his/her delegate.Euthanasia must be performed by a veterinarian, exceptin an emergency when a veterinarian is not available. Inemergencies the advice of a veterinarian should beobtained verbally.

14.2

The only method of non-veterinary euthanasia that ispermissible is gunshot to the brain. The individualperforming the euthanasia must meet the relevantlegislative requirements regarding the use of firearms.The person should have knowledge or prior experiencein the methods of successfully euthanasing thatparticular species of animal. The animal to beeuthanased must be properly restrained to avoid the


likelihood of the shooter missing and not killing the animalwith the first shot. Suitable calibre firearms andammunition must be available for all circus animals held.

INTERACTION

Clause l5. Public/animalinteraction

15.1 Species groups

15.1.A Big cats

A.1 Only circus workers with whom the big catsare familiar are permitted to haveunsupervised and unrestricted closeaccess to the cat facilities.

A.2 Members of the public must be restrainedbehind a safety barrier which is at least2 metres from the cat’s cage. Accessbeyond the safety barrier by members ofthe public is not allowed.

A.3 Big cats while on display must always haveaccess to an area away from public view.

A.4 It should always be remembered that theseanimals are potentially dangerous tomembers of the public, and pictorial signsmust be used on safety barriers to alert thepublic to this fact.

15.1.B Dogs

B.1 Staff supervision must ensure that no circusdog is teased or otherwise abused bymembers of the public.

B.2 If one of the circus dogs is unwell orfrightened, it must be kept away from thepublic to minimise the risk of further stresson the animal.

B.3 Dogs must not be confined in such amanner that it is impossible for them toretreat from members of the public. Theymust always be provided with an areawhere they can remove themselves frompublic attention while stil l receivingsocialisation from other dogs.


C.1 Ungulates and camelids must be confinedso that they can avoid the attentions ofmembers of the public if they wish to doso.

C.2 Under supervision, members of the publiccan be allowed to pet and feed good-natured ungulates and camelids, as longas the feeding is supervised by circus

personnel to ensure no unwholesome foodstuffs are given to the animals and that theanimals are not stressed or mistreated.

15.1.D Elephants

D.1 Members of the public must never beallowed to approach an elephantunsupervised. It should always beremembered that elephants are potentiallydangerous to members of the public, andpictorial signs must be used on safetybarriers to alert the public to this fact.

D.2 Elephants must be confined so that theycan avoid the attentions of members of thepublic if they wish to do so.


E.1 No member of the public should ever beallowed to approach a primateunsupervised. It should always beremembered that primates are potentiallydangerous to members of the public, andpictorial signs must be used on safetybarriers to alert the public to this fact. Safetybarriers must be placed at a sufficientdistance from the primates exhibit toensure that the primates and viewing publiccan not come into physical contact.

E.2 Primates must always have access toalcoves to which they can retire away frompublic view.

15.1.F Birds

F.1 Display cages for birds must include someform of solid partition or small box to whichthey can remove themselves from publicview if they wish.

Clause l6. Interaction betweenanimals

16.1 Species groups

16.1.A Big cats

A.1 Lions

• Lions are social animals with a welldefined hierarchy within their colonies(prides), therefore direct interactionbetween colony members is consideredessential. Due to this fact it is vital thatlions normally be housed together andthat they have frequent contact withpersonnel ordinarily engaged to managethem.

• Lions requiring temporary separationfrom the rest of the group must beprovided with the display space


requirements for an individual animal asoutlined in 5.3.A.2. This requirementexcludes when the animal is separatedfrom the rest of the group for thepurposes of veterinary treatment whenthe veterinarian will advise regarding theconfinement space necessary.

• It is vital that any wagon used to transportlions can be subdivided into separatecompartments for each lion if thisbecomes necessary.

• It may be necessary to separate lions ifhierarchy is enforced to the detriment ofone or some individuals. This occursmost commonly during feeding time, butwill also occur if a lioness is in oestrusor if a frustrated male displays sexualaggression to a lesser male. Fightsregarding dominance are oftenunavoidable, but separation maysometimes be counterproductive in thatit prevents the issue at hand from beingproperly sorted out, and sometimes canprolong the aggression and resentment.

A.2 Tigers

It is acceptable to house tigers togetherprovided that there is no antagonismbetween cage mates.

• It is vital that any wagon used to holdtigers can be subdivided into separatecompartments for each tiger if thisbecomes necessary.

• Tigers are social cats, but less so thanlions. A hierarchy will always form, andthis should be observed, evaluated andtaken into account when handling orhousing these animals. Tigers must befed separately as, in the wild, they areaccustomed to feeding solitarily on theirkills.

A.3 Leopards

Facilities to hold leopards must haveprovision to transport, display and feed allleopards separately.

• Of all the big cats, this group tends tobehave in a manner most similar to thatof the domestic cat. Animals in this grouptend to be solitary creatures, althoughsome individuals will tolerate the sharingof their cage with another if they are ‘oldfriends’, however this is the exceptionrather than the rule. Therefore, theremust be provision to transport, displayand feed all leopards separately.

16.1.B Dogs

B.1 Dogs have a strong hierarchical tendencythat tends to make colony situations self-regulating. Protective measures tointervene should only be taken if oneindividual is being constantly attacked or ifan attack is likely to lead to serious injuryor death for the loser. A retreat area mustalways be provided for individuals from thegroup.


C.1 As ungulates and camelids are social herdanimals, they must always have visualaccess to others of their species.

• Most ungulates will only assertdominance over other members of theircolony if there is something that can notbe shared equally between all members.This may be feed, an oestrus female ora choice spot in the enclosure. Thereforefeed should be made equally availableas should ‘good’ areas of the enclosure.During the mating season, rival malesmay have to be separated, and malesand females may have to be separatedif breeding is not desired.

16.1.D Elephants

D.1 As elephants are social herd animals, theymust always be able to see and touch otherelephants.


E.1 An awareness of the hierarchy within aprimate colony is essential to minimiseincompatible individuals being in contactwith each other, as this contact can resultin physical and mental injury from fightingand bullying. The fact that primates canbecome ‘bonded’ to individual humans andcan certainly recognise different humans,and the fact that they display jealousy, mustalso be considered when determining thecomposition of primate groups who sharethe same cage.

E.2 Primates must always have the opportunityto have visual contact with other primateseven where incompatibility necessitatesphysical separation. Where two animalsare incompatible, visual barriers must beprovided within their enclosure as stresscan result from two incompatible individualsnot being able to remove themselves fromeach other’s sight. Wherever possibleprimates must be housed in a groupsituation.


E.3 Primates must be able to retire to placesthat provide privacy from other membersof the group. Such places must be availableto all inhabitants of a shared cageregardless of their social status within thecolony.

16.1.F Birds

F.1 Compatible birds may be housed togetheras long as the display cage is large enoughto prevent harassment by cage mates. Thepersonal space required by each bird isentirely dependent on the species andtemperament of the individual.

Clause l7. Trainer/handler andanimal interaction

17.1

If a trained act is to change hands, a transfer periodmust be undertaken in the presence of the old traineruntil such time as the new trainer can satisfactorily workthe act and gain the confidence of the animals.

17.2 Trainer/handler requirements

A commitment to the welfare of the animals under thatperson’s care:

1. This is the most important relationship betweenanimal and human in the circus environment, as itoften involves vital physical and social interactionfor the animals. Trainers should aim to relate to theircharges on an individual basis. In this way, trainerswill be able to detect problems (physical, medicalor psychological) and hidden talents in their animalsbefore anybody else can.

2. A thorough familiarity with the behaviouraltendencies of the species for which they areengaged to be responsible.

3. A thorough familiarity with the potential physicalcapabilities of the species for which they areengaged to be responsible.

4. A thorough familiarity with the accepted methodsof handling, physical restraint and training of thespecies for which they are engaged to beresponsible.

5. A basic sense of hygiene, cleanliness and neatnessin regard to facilities, equipment and feed.

6. Basic skills in visually assessing animal demeanour,physical condition, faecal output, feed intake, etc.

7. The ability to maintain coherent, comprehensiveand relevant records in relation to the animals undertheir care.

8. The ability to liaise with the circus management.

9. The ability to delegate responsibility appropriatelywhere circumstances warrant this.

10. The ability to recognise and carry out safe workpractices.

11. The ability to liaise with the visiting public.

12. Because members of the public ultimatelydetermine the viability of a circus, questions fromthe public must always be treated with respect, evenif the person asking the questions is basicallyantagonistic to the idea of animals in circuses. Thecircus must demonstrate its willingness to talk toany member of the public about any aspect of thepresence of animals in circuses.

13. Ability and willingness to consult and communicatewith veterinary consultants.

17.3

Staff to be involved in the care of animals in circusesshould be encouraged to utilise the following avenuesfor obtaining the necessary skills to be consideredcompetent regarding animal matters:

1. Undertake one of a number of formal coursesdealing specifically with specialised animal care (i.e.animal husbandry, zoo keeping, animal ethics).Many animal care courses can now be undertakenby correspondence.

2. Obtain regular access to relevant new literature inorder to keep abreast of recent developments inthe animal husbandry field.

17.4

Interested members of the public shall be encouragedto watch training sessions and to ask questions. Allanimal handlers must be prepared to answer reasonablepublic queries at reasonable times regarding the animalsin their care. It should always be remembered that thepublic may not be aware of things that the circus stafftake for granted. If an animal displays fear or anxietywhile in the ring, the reasons for that fear should beexplained to the audience. If a movement that the animalis performing looks awkward, the presenter shouldwhenever possible point out the animal will not be hurt.

17.5

Staff involved in the care of animals in circuses mustfirst undergo work experience on an apprenticeshipbasis with a person who is recognised as havingexperience in animal care with the relevant species.


17.6

Staff involved in the care of circus animals should haveregular opportunities to visit other circuses, conferencesor personnel, in order to keep abreast of recentdevelopments in the animal keeping field.

17.7

Each animal act must have two handlers/trainerscapable of working the act or exercising the animals, sothat absence from the circus by one handler/trainer doesnot result in stress on the animals through separationfrom their familiar trainer/handler coupled with lack oftraining/performance/exercise.

HUSBANDRY

Clause l8. Behaviouralenrichment

18.1 Species groups

18.1.A Big cats

A.1 Big cats must have access to wood in theirdisplay cages to serve as scratching andmarking posts. Round untreated pineuprights are a suitable material.

A.2 Big cats utilise trees in their natural habitattherefore high perches and places to climbmust be provided in display cages holdingthem. Perches should be constructed ofround section wood and provide at leastone fork for an animal to rest in. Foldingraised shelving can be used within thetransportation wagon to provide elevatedareas for big cats.

18.1.B Dogs

B.1 Because of their long standing associationwith humans, dogs derive a large amountof stimulation from interacting with people.Training also gives dogs the stimulation oflearning new performance behaviours.

B.2 As dogs are pack animals, they derivestimulation in interacting with other dogs,therefore they must be housed togetherwherever possible.


C.1 As ungulates and camelids are herdanimals, they derive stimulation ininteracting with other members of their ownspecies, therefore they must be housedwith their own species wherever possible.Where two individuals sharing the same

enclosure results in constant fighting orbullying, these individuals must bephysically but not visually separated.

18.1.D Elephants

D.1 As elephants are herd animals, they derivestimulation in interacting with othermembers of their own species, thereforethey must be housed with their own specieswherever possible. Where two individualssharing the same enclosure results inconstant fighting or bullying, theseindividuals must be physically but notvisually separated.

D.2 Because elephants are intelligent,inquisitive and social creatures, they mustbe supplied with mental stimulation,avenues of play and social contact withhumans and other elephants. In betweenshows elephants must be given durableobjects to play with, provided these objectsare not capable of causing the elephantsinjury.


E.1 As primates are highly social animals it isvery important that they derive stimulationfrom interacting with others of their ownspecies. Primates must never be housedalone unless aggression betweenindividuals causes a health threat to aparticular individual, in which case theaggressor should be separated temporarily.

E.2 Every effort must be made to encourageforaging behaviour by the hiding of foodsuch as nuts in different areas of theenclosure including clean substrate.

18.1.F Birds

F.1 Parrots must be provided with naturalperches and fresh leaved branches tochew on a regular basis. Every effort mustbe made to encourage foraging behaviourby hiding food in different areas of theenclosure. Parrots may also benefit fromthe presence of play elements within theircages such as swings and bells.

F.2 Domestic waterfowl must be provided withwater to swim in when housed in displayenclosures.

F.3 Domestic geese should be given accessto a grassed area for at least 4 hours everyday.


Clause l9. Tethering/harness

19.1 Species groups

19.1.A Big cats

A.1 Big cats may only be tethered duringtraining sessions while in the presence ofthe trainer.

19.1.B Dogs

B.1 Dogs may be tethered via a running lead.The minimum length of the running leashmust be 4 metres.

B.2 Non chafing collars may be worn by dogsat all times. They must be regularlychecked to ensure that they have notbecome too tight or too loose. Non chafingshoulder harnesses may be worn by dogsduring performances and training sessions.


C.1 Tethering of ungulates and camelids is onlyallowable at night, during storms and totemporarily separate an aggressive animal.The minimum tether length for horses,donkeys, camelids and ponies is 6 metres.The minimum tether length for goats,sheep and cattle is 4 metres.

C.2 During performances the use of halters,bridles with bits, saddles, trap and carriageharnesses may be used on horses andponies as long as they have nocomponents which may damage theanimals. The equipment must be appliedso that no galls, rubs, bruises or cuts result.Nose rings may be used to control cattlewhile they are being performed, as maynose pegs in camels.

C.3 When ungulates or camelids are notperforming or are tethered, no harnessesof any sort except a light headstall shall beworn by the animals. The headstall mustnot rub around the animal’s ears or cheeks.

C.4 Camels must not be tethered via their nosepegs. If tethered for transportation, camelsmust be restrained with a long tether tiedfrom their headstall to floor level so thatthe camel can sit completely down.

C.5 Cattle must not be tethered via their noserings.

C.6 Tethers for ungulates and camelids mustbe constructed of light rope or othermaterial which is strong enough to containthe animal, but does not weigh the animal’shead down. Metal chain may only be usedon a tether when an animal is to be stakedoutdoors, and under these circumstances

the chain must form the extreme lowersection of the tether (that nearest theground), and must not exceed 30 cm inlength.

19.1.D Elephants

D.1 Tethering of elephants is only acceptableat night, during storms, or while theirtrainer/handler is temporarily absent fromthe circus. Under any circumstanceselephants must only be tethered via a metalleg band around one leg. The minimumtether length to be used for elephants is4 metres.

D.2 Harnessing of elephants duringperformances is allowed if the elephant isgoing to pull or carry something. A harnessmust be applied so that no rubs, cuts, gallsor bruises result. Metal components ofthese harnesses must not come into directcontact with the animal’s skin, especiallyunder pressure. Decorative head piecesmay be worn but these must be removedwhen the elephant is not performing.


E.1 Primates may be fitted with permanent non-chafing leather neck collars with amaximum of 10 cm of light metal chain.Permanent collars must be checked on aweekly basis for tightening around theanimal’s neck and adjusted accordingly.Shoulder harnesses may be used for thepurposes of training and performancehandling only, they must be removed afterthe animal has completed its performanceor training session.

E.2 Primates may only be tethered immediatelyprior to performance or training for amaximum of 15 minutes.

19.1.F Birds

F.1 Birds may not be tethered.

Clause 20. Grooming

20.1 Species groups

20.1.A Big cats

A.1 Tough raw meat including raw bones insizes that necessitates chewing shall beprovided to maintain cats’ tooth and gumhealth.

A.2 Access to wood for scratching will maintainthe health of the cats’ claws and theirsheaths.


20.1.B Dogs

B.1 Teeth and gum health is to be maintainedby feeding the animal very tough, raw meatwhich includes raw bones at least twice aweek, or substituting this with a chewableitem, such as beefhide chew.

B.2 Dogs’ coats and toenails must bemaintained in good condition. Most dogshave self-grooming coats. The long hairedbreeds should either be clipped or brushedand combed regularly to prevent the coatsfrom building up and matting. Dogs shouldnot be bathed more than once a week, andonly mild human, or special dog shampoosshould be used, followed by conditioner. Ifdogs’ toenails are long enough to touch theground if the dog is standing square, theseshould be trimmed to the correct lengthavoiding the quick.


C.1 Ungulates and camelids must have theircoats groomed sufficiently often to maintainthe desired level of cleanliness.

C.2 Ungulate hooves must be trimmedregularly so that they don’t split, separatefrom the sole or start to curl upwards.

C.3 Teeth must be inspected once every threemonths to ensure that no sharp points aredeveloping. Any sharp points should berasped back.

20.1.D Elephants

D.1 Elephants’ feet must be inspected regularly,and the toenail length should be keptsufficiently short that the toenails do notsplay or start to curl outwards. Regular nailtrimming and rasping may be necessary.The feet must be inspected at least once aweek to ensure that the soles and nails arein good order.

D.2 Where access to grooming materials(water, loose dirt, large trees to rub against)are not available to elephants to enableself-grooming to occur, they should havetheir hides bathed and scrubbed once aday to remove loose skin flakes exceptwhere the ambient temperature falls below15 degrees Celsius, in which caseelephants should be brush cleaned.


E.1 Teeth and gum health shall be maintainedby providing a diet which includes firmfoods such as apples, to polish the teethand massage the gums.

20.1.F Birds

F.1 Birds will groom themselves. Access tocuttlebone and similar substances will aidbeak and claw maintenance. Access tobaths is compulsory.

F.2 The correct perches (natural branches ofvarying widths), and floor substrate (naturalmaterial), will help to maintain the birds’claws.

Clause 2l. Record keeping

21.1

Daily records must be maintained for each individualanimal. These records must show:

(i) species (common and scientific name);

(ii) given name of animal and its sex;

(iii) date of birth;

(iv) name of breeder, place of birth, sire and dam (ifknown);

(v) date of acquisition by circus;

(vi) previous ownerships - names and dates;

(vii) breeding history - mating dates, mating partners,number and sex of any offspring, and the fate ofthose offspring;

(viii) medical history (including diagnoses of diseases,medical treatments, surgical procedures,vaccinations). Dates are essential;

(ix) any scarring or distinguishing marks;

(x) any noteworthy incidents involving this animal;

(xi) any comments or precautions (e.g. side effects ofcertain drugs);

(xii) identification – e.g. legband, eartag, microchip,tattoo number or appropriate photograph;

(xiii) dietary preferences;

(xiv) routine husbandry procedures (nail trimming, hooftrimming, worming, etc.).

21.2

Circus establishments must maintain an accurate recordof the numbers of animals that they are holding and/orexhibiting and what animals they have had. Individualrecords of animals that a circus no longer haspossession of must still be retained in a safe place(probably the head office of the circus) for the life of theanimal plus 3 years.

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