Performing Animals

The welfare of performing animals is provided for in the general provisions to avoid suffering and ensure welfare in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. In addition the training and exhibition of performing animals is further regulated by the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 which requires trainers and exhibitors of such animals to be registered with the local authority.


Under this Act the police and officers of local authorities, who may include a vet, have power to enter premises where animals are being trained and exhibited, and if cruelty and neglect is detected, magistrates' courts can prohibit or restrict the training or exhibition of the animals and suspend or cancel the registration granted under the Act.


It is against the law for anyone to train or exhibit a performing animal unless they are registered to do so under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 and have obtained a Performing Animals Certificate of Registration. The Act is designed to cover the use of animals in stage performances, at circuses, as part of an exhibition and so on. The Act does not apply to the training of animals for bona fide military, police, agricultural or sporting purposes, or the exhibition of any animals so trained.


Registrations will not be issued to anyone convicted of an offence against this Act, or against the Protection of Animals Act 1911, as amended.


Before a Registration is granted, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that:

• the performing animals are obtained from a reputable source to minimise the risk of disease;
• the appropriate measures will be taken to protect the animals in case of fire or other emergency including the provision of suitable fire fighting equipment;
• that the register contains the types of animal to be used in performances, both to be trained and exhibited;
• that health and safety checks are carried out for both the animals and staff.

Every person who wishes to use animals to perform within the borough must obtain a Registration Certificate, for which there is a fee, and no person should engage in the performance of animals without having carried out a risk assessment by a competent person. Sound advice may be obtained from trained animal handlers, veterinarians, zoos or university departments.

It is the duty of the applicant to ensure that employees are given prior warning if they are to work with animals in case of phobias or allegies.

Information should be made available to every person concerned regarding controls such as feeding, avoiding disturbance, what to do in an emergency and the health risks particularly to expectant mothers caused by animal infections.

It is important that the length of time animals spend performing should be kept to a minimum, and that any equipment used, for example, hay or straw, should be treated in accordance with any fire safety requirements. First aid should always be on hand.

Registration fees must be included with the application and any vet's fees, as necessary, will be recharged to the applicant following the registration inspection. The current fees can be found on Commerical Services Fees

If you would like to apply for an appliction form or if you have an enquiry or complaint about Performing Animals Registration, please contact us on 01628 683820 or use the online form

Fair Processing Notice in respect of Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 as amended.

• Fair Processing Notice

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