Performing animals

We are writing Performing Animal Guidelines that help people who are planning to use animals in a performance environment.

Why are we writing them?

Working with live animals is a huge responsibility, not to mention an enormous challenge! 

We want to help people in the audio-visual industry follow good welfare practice and meet any legal obligations they have towards animals used in a production.

What sort of productions can they be used for?

Our Guidelines are for anyone who is planning to use an animal in a production where the animal is taken away from its usual environment or social group, or where it is trained or set up to perform in a certain way.

Types of productions that are covered include TV, advertising, theatre, live events and still photography. Types not covered include things like ‘fly on the wall’ documentaries, agricultural shows and sporting events.

Artistic content

Our Guidelines aren’t designed to affect the content of productions.

Instead, we want to help you plan and prepare for the use of live animals, from start to finish. Using them should hopefully also make your production run more smoothly by avoiding any unpleasant surprises along the way!

How to get a copy

Our Guidelines are currently being finalised, but if you’d like to pre-order a copy or need some advice in the meantime, please call Ros Clubb on 0300 123 0206.

Worried about an animal?

Members of the public

If you're worried about an animal you've seen currently being used in a performance, for example in a circus or theatre show, this is an urgent issue so please call our cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

If you’re worried about an animal you’ve seen in a recorded performance, such as in a film or on TV, please call our advice line on 0300 1234 555. 

Production employees

If you work in the audio-visual industry and are worried about the welfare of animals used in the production you're involved with, please call our cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.