Animals in entertainment

Animals should not suffer for the sake of human amusement.

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Animals are not here for our entertainment.

The use of animals in entertainment—whether in rodeos, racing, events, or tourist attractions—often subjects them to unnatural conditions, stressful training methods, and confinement that fails to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Many animals used in entertainment endure cruel treatment, including the use of stressful and uncomfortable tools.

There are many ways to enjoy community events without subjecting animals to harm. It’s time to move away from exploiting animals for profit and entertainment.

Quick actions for animals in entertainment

Take action to help protect animals used in entertainment! These quick actions take less than 2 minutes to advocate for meaningful change..

Saying no to inhumane animal attractions

For decades, the Vancouver Humane Society has advocated to stop the suffering of animals used in entertainment, including rodeos, racing, carriage rides, and more. Read about the history of this work, recent updates, and how you can help.

Horse Carriages

Horse Carriages

VHS is concerned about the prevalence of horse carriages on the increasingly busy streets of Vancouver and around BC, with carriage rides being offered at a number of local events throughout the year, in addition to regular operations in Stanley Park. VHS has repeatedly written to the government and business associations sponsoring horse carriage rides, highlighting concerns for the welfare and safety of the animals and the public who they share the road with.

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Rodeos

Rodeos

VHS is opposed to rodeo because most events involve the use of fear, stress and pain to make animals perform. VHS has been successful in curtailing rodeos in B.C. The Abbotsford Agrifair rodeo was cancelled in 2016 after a VHS campaign, as was the Luxton Rodeo on Vancouver Island in 2015. In 2007, the Cloverdale Rodeo eliminated four events (calf-roping, steer-wrestling, team-roping and wild cow-milking) after a long campaign by VHS. Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media.

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Doughnuts

Petting Zoos

Petting zoos send the wrong message to children about the value of animals. They are an example of businesses using animals in entertainment without regard to their behavioural needs.

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More initiatives & campaigns

Sled dogs

VHS has campaigned for a ban on sled dog tours and races.  Even in B.C., which is the only province to regulate sled dog operations, these dogs are kept tethered for long periods, face undue stress in races and can be shot instead of humanely euthanized.

Animals in circuses

We oppose the use of exotic and wild animals in entertainment. This includes circuses or any kind of Las Vegas-style show that exploits such animals in performances.

Many cities and towns in British Columbia have banned circuses using exotic animals in performances, but most jurisdictions across Canada still allow them.  This means animals continue to be caged, chained and forced to perform degrading tricks for human amusement.  Trainers use bullhooks, whips, sticks and electric prods to force animals to perform.  In addition, they suffer from long hours of close confinement while being hauled in often unventilated trucks from town to town.

Animals in film, television & advertising

VHS believes no wild or exotic animals should be used in film production, except where the animal is being filmed unobtrusively in its natural habitat.  The animal rental agencies that supply these industries are largely unregulated, receiving less oversight than zoos.  This means animals can be kept in poor conditions where they are deprived of space and natural surroundings.  Though their images may be popular with the public, once the cameras are turned off these animals are returned to their cages and lives of misery. The introduction of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and animatronics into filmmaking has provided an alternative to the use of captive exotic animals – there is no longer any need to use real animals.

Animals in corporate entertainment

Some captive animal agencies rent out animals for corporate entertainment, birthday parties and so-called “educational” events in malls or community centres.  They often claim they are using the animals to teach the public about conservation, but in reality they are exploiting the public’s fascination with exotic animals for profit.  When they are not on show the animals are, as usual, languishing in cages.

Latest updates

Stay informed on the latest issues affecting animals used for human entertainment. Explore recent updates, actions, blog posts, and media to learn how you can help advocate to stop their suffering.

A close up photo of a horse with a bridle.

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In the media

Follow key moments in the work to end the use of animals in inhumane entertainment events. This timeline highlights major news, developments, and advocacy efforts shaping the conversation on animal welfare.

Past actions for animals in entertainment

Explore past actions for animals in entertainment and the impact they’ve made.