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 1925 Act 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.