Animal Welfare (Circuses) Code of Welfare 2005

This code applies to all persons responsible for the welfare of animals used in circuses, including both New Zealand based circuses and visiting international circuses. Minimum standards for exotic species provided in this code are provided only for those species currently held in New Zealand circuses.

Exotic species in visiting international circuses that are not covered in this code will be subject to the provisions of the Act and any additional provisions that may be specified in the import health standard. When exotic circus animals are being held at permanent home or over-wintering bases, the provisions of the Animal Welfare (Zoos) Code of Welfare shall apply.

Minimum standards for domestic animals held such as dogs and horses can be found in species-specific codes of welfare.