Animals in Entertainment
The Issue
The Society is opposed to exploiting animals for human entertainment. As is the case across Canada, in BC there are a number of events and facilities that integrate and use animals for profit such as traveling circuses, rodeos and private zoos. There are also facilities such as the Vancouver Aquarium that house marine mammals, yet also do conservation work for animals in the wild. There are non-profit animal refuges that display their animals to the public. The entertainment industry also uses animals in a number of movie, television and commercial productions; the BC SPCA has trained monitors on site.
In seeking public feedback, the BC SPCA asked for input on whether there was any value in using animals in entertainment, on the role the BC SPCA should play in monitoring, regulating or restricting these events and whether animals should be on public display for profit.
Public Feedback
Feedback on this topic was limited. Views are about evenly divided on whether animals should be used for entertainment purposes at all. Some submissions support animals being used in entertainment when there is educational value in doing so, while others are totally against any animals being used for entertainment value.
One submission notes several benefits to animals used for entertainment; the bond animals develop with trainers, the animals' enjoyment of athletic performance, and reduced boredom for animals -- as often seen in zoos.
Several submissions suggest that the BC SPCA has not done enough to regulate or restrict rodeos. Some say that the BC SPCA should make a stronger effort to stop these activities, noting that the animals are abused and terrorized. Calf roping is seen as especially brutal. One submission says that the pubic will remain confused on the BC SPCA's position regarding the exploitation of animals for human entertainment as long as they continue to monitor an entertainment site and, by implication, give their endorsement of the activity. Another submission notes that any role that degrades or puts the animal in a difficult or dangerous situation should not be allowed.
Other submissions suggest that the BC SPCA monitor events where animals are used for commercial purposes to make sure the animals are treated humanely. It is noted that the BC SPCA has the ability to certify and make recommendations as to the condition and treatment of performing animals.
Some submissions suggest that no animals should be on public display for profit even if it is for educational purposes. Others support animals on display in zoos and aquariums noting that these animals often serve as educational examples of their intelligence and ability. However, these same submissions recommend that if these animals are being abused then they should be seized and the owners charged.
While some submissions see the educational value of marine mammal displays, others are vehemently opposed -- particularly to keeping whales in captivity.
Recommendations
It is the view of the independent panel that the BC SPCA's opposition to the exploitation of animals in entertainment is not widely known or recognized. The public may perceive monitoring and inspecting sites and not laying any charges means the BC SPCA endorses these events. In reality the BC SPCA has no jurisdiction under the PCA Act to prohibit organizations undertaking activities where animals are used for entertainment. However, it does have the power to inspect and enforce the Act. Our view is that the BC SPCA needs to take on a stronger inspection role and profile at these events. As well it needs to build awareness and understanding of its position as it relates to animals in entertainment.
Our specific recommendations call on the BC SPCA to:
Short-term
• Strengthen its presence and heighten its inspection role at events where animals are used for entertainment purposes.

• Have the board of directors (or committee of the board) develop a position paper regarding the BC SPCA's stand on these issues; use Dr. Fraser and students/graduates from UBC Animal Welfare Program as a resource.

• Consider advocacy initiatives to educate the public regarding the exploitation of animals in entertainment.