Use of Animals in Entertainment and Recreation

Position

“The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accepts that animals will be used in entertainment and recreation. The CVMA does not condone activities, contests, or events that involve undue levels of physical or mental harassment or situations that have a high probability of causing injury or illness.”

Background

The CVMA has concerns over the use of animals in the entertainment and recreation fields. Entertainment and recreational activities should utilize animals that are appropriately bred, raised, and trained.

Animals performing or on display in a traveling environment may receive inadequate attention to their physical, social, and behavioral needs. This can occur due to close confinement, lack of exercise, and other physical requirements, inability to express natural behaviors, and lack of appropriate socialization. Abusive or cruel training techniques are sometimes employed.

In all areas of endeavor, animals must be portrayed and utilized with respect and dignity. Animals should not be forced to perform actions that result in physical or behavioral signs of distress or discomfort. Activities that portray or force animals to perform in ways not characteristic of their species should be discouraged, so as not to harm the animal or mislead the public as to the true nature of the animal.

(Revised November 2000)