Under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925, anyone who trains or exhibits animals for public performance or entertainment must be registered with their local authority. 

• Registration with Falkirk Council under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 before any training or exhibition takes place
• The applicant must not be disqualified by a court from keeping, training, or exhibiting animals
• Full details must be provided on the animals used and nature of performances
• Animals must be kept, trained, transported, and exhibited without cruelty or unnecessary suffering, in line with animal welfare law [legislation.gov.uk]
• Wild animals are prohibited from use in travelling circuses in Scotland [legislation.gov.uk]
• Applicants must permit inspection by Council officers, police, or veterinary surgeons
• Any changes to animals or performance arrangements must be reported to Falkirk Council

• Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 (c.38)
• Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018

A non-refundable fee will be payable for applications and if the licence is granted conditions may be attached.

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from Falkirk Council by the end of the target completion period.

To apply, change or renew a performing animals licence you can complete the form below and send it to Falkirk Council by email:

Please contact us in the first instance.

You may be able to appeal against licence conditions. Contact us first for advice. If you need to, you can also contact the Sheriff Court about the appeal process.

A police officer or officer of the local authority may make a complaint to the local court if they feel that animals have been subject to cruelty.