Circus

Before the first performance of the season, a circus must be inspected by the county administrative board (länsstyrelsen). Circuses keeping animals must comply with animal welfare regulations and the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations on circus animals. There are restrictions on which animal species may be used in circuses.

If you replace animals or equipment that has a significant effect on animal welfare or animal health at the circus, a new inspection must be conducted. The circus must have a tour plan and maintain records of all animals. The county administrative board exercises supervision and may prohibit the circus from starting or continuing its tour if serious deficiencies are discovered.

Requirements

  • Inspection: Request inspection from the county administrative board at least 14 days before the first performance.
  • Prohibited animal species: The following animals may not be used: monkeys, predators (except dogs and cats), seals, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, deer (except reindeer), giraffes, kangaroos, birds of prey, ostriches, crocodilians.
  • Tour plan: You must have a tour plan for the coming month that is submitted to the county administrative board during the inspection. Changes must be reported.
  • Animal records: Records must be kept of all animals with information on illnesses, injuries, treatments, and hoof/claw care. Records must be kept for at least three years.
  • Daily outdoor exercise: Circus animals must be allowed to move freely outdoors every day, unless the weather is extremely bad.
  • Registration: If the circus has a permanent location in Sweden, it must be registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

Supervision Procedure

  • Notification: Submit notification for inspection to the county administrative board in the home county or entry county.
  • New changes: If you replace animals or equipment that has a significant effect on animal welfare or animal health, you must report this to the county administrative board in the county where the circus is located.
  • Inspections: The county administrative board may inspect the circus after the season has started.
  • Prohibition: If serious or repeated deficiencies are discovered during any inspection, the circus may be prohibited from starting or continuing its tour.