Tethering, Grooming and Record Keeping

Tethering and Harnessing

Big cats

Big cats may be tethered only during training sessions while in the presence of the trainer.

Dogs

Dogs may be tethered by a running lead at least 4 metres long.

Dogs may wear only non-chafing collars, and the collars must be regularly checked to ensure that they have not become too tight or too loose. Dogs may wear non-chafing shoulder harnesses during performances and training sessions.

Ungulates and camelids

Tethering of ungulates and camelids is only allowed at night, during storms, and to temporarily separate aggressive animals from other animals.

The minimum tether length for horses, donkeys, camelids and ponies is 6 metres.

When ungulates or camelids are not performing or are tethered, they are not to wear any harnesses except a light headstall. The headstall must not rub around the animal’s ears or cheeks.

Camels must not be tethered by their nose pegs. If tethered for transportation, they must be restrained with a long tether tied from their headstall to floor level so that they can sit down completely .

Tethers for ungulates and camelids must be constructed of light rope or another material that is strong enough to contain the animal, but does not weigh down its head. Metal chain may only be used when tethering an animal outdoors. The chain must be used onlyin the lower section of the tether nearest the ground, and not be more than 30 centimetres long.

During performances halters, bridles with bits, saddles, trap and carriage harnesses may be used on horses and ponies if they have no components that may damage the animal's skin. The equipment must not gall, rub, bruise or cut the animal.

The minimum tether length for goats, sheep and cattle is 4 metres.

Cattle must not be tethered by their nose rings. Nose rings may be used to control cattle while they are performing, as may nose pegs in camels.

Elephants

Except under special circumstances, it is unacceptable to tether elephants with metal leg bands and chains or any equivalent form of restraint during daylight [see 5.D.1].

Elephants can be harnessed during performances if they are going to pull or carry something. The harness must not rub, cut, gall or bruise. Metal parts of the harness must not come into direct contact with the animal's skin, especially under pressure.

Elephants can wear decorative headpieces but these must be removed when the animals are not performing.

Monkeys and chimpanzees

Primates may be fitted with permanent non-chafing leather, neck collars with a maximum of 10 centimetres of light metal chain. Permanent collars must be checked weekly for tightness and adjusted accordingly.

Shoulder harnesses may be used for training and performance handling only and must be removed after the animals have finished performing or training.

Primates may only be tethered immediately before a performance or training for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Birds

Birds may not be tethered.

Grooming

Big cats

Tough, raw meat (including raw bones) in sizes that need chewing shall be provided to keep cats’ teeth and gums healthy.

Access to wood for scratching will keep claws and their sheaths healthy.

Dogs

Feeding dogs tough, raw meat (including raw bones) at least twice a week, or substituting this with a chewable item, such as beef hide chew will keep teeth and gums healthy.

Coats and toenails must be kept in good condition. [1]

Ungulates and camelids

Ungulates and camelids must have their coats groomed sufficiently and often enough to keep them at the desired level of cleanliness.

Ungulates’ hooves must be trimmed regularly to prevent splitting, separation from the sole, or upwards curl.

Teeth must be inspected once every three months to ensure that no sharp points are developing. Any sharp points should be rasped back.

Elephants

Elephants’ feet must be inspected regularly and the toenail length should be kept sufficiently short to prevent splaying or outward curl.

Regular nail trimming and rasping may be necessary.

The feet must be inspected at least once a week to ensure that the soles and nails are in good order.

Where grooming materials (water, loose dirt, large trees to rub against) are not accessible, and elephants are unable to self-groom, they should have their hides bathed and scrubbed once a day to remove loose skin flakes - except when the temperature falls below 15 degrees celsius, in which case elephants should be brush-cleaned.

Monkeys and chimpanzees

A diet that includes frim foods such as apples, to polish the teeth and massage the gums is needed to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Birds

Birds will groom themselves, and access to baths is compulsory.

Access to cuttlebone and similar substances will aid beak and claw maintenance.

Correct perches, using natural branches of varying widths, and natural material on cage floors will maintain claws.

Record Keeping

Regular, accurate and detailed records must be kept for each animal. The records must show:

• species (common and scientific name)
  
  
• the animal's given name and its sex
  
  
• date of birth
  
  
• name of breeder, place of birth, sire and dam (if known)
  
  
• date of acquisition by the circus
  
  
• previous owner(s) - name(s) and dates
  
  
• breeding history - mating dates, mating partners, number and sex of any offspring, and the fate of those offspring
  
  
• medical history (including diagnoses of diseases, medical treatments, surgical procedures, vaccinations) - dates are essential
  
  
• any scars or distinguishing marks
  
  
• any noteworthy incidents involving this animal
  
  
• any comments or precautions (eg. side effects of certain drugs)
  
  
• identification, eg. leg band, ear tag, microchip, tattoo number or appropriate photograph
  
  
• dietary preferences
  
  
• routine husbandry procedures (nail trimming, hoof trimming, worming, etc)

Circuses must continue to record the numbers of animals they hold and exhibit, and the species of animals they have had.

Individual records must be retained in a safe place for the life of the animal plus three years.

[1] Most dogs have self-grooming coats. Long-haired breeds should either be clipped or brushed and combed regularly to prevent their coats building up and matting. Dogs should not be bathed more than once a week and only mild human shampoos or special dog shampoos should be used, followed by conditioner. If a dog’s toenails are long enough to touch the ground when the animal is standing square, these should be trimmed to the correct length, avoiding the quick.