Circuses

Having regard to the District Councils premises and land, either owned or managed, it is unlikely that they would be suitable for circuses, performances, exhibitions or displays of animals. However it is Council policy that all applications to hold circuses, performances, exhibitions or displays of animals on any District Council land or premises will be considered individually and the decision to grant or refuse such applications will be based on a wide range of considerations, including animal welfare.

Many Circuses are located on Private land where the Council has no jurisdiction, however all circuses are subject to Performing Animals Registration Certificates that are issued by the local authority where the circus is based. These certificates are issued by Trading Standards and list the type and number of animals that the circus can have. Each circus should have a copy of these certificates with them. The contact details for the Trading Standards office that covers the Rochford District Council area is: Essex County Council Trading Standards Service, 2, Beaufort Road, Dukes Park Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6PS; telephone number 08454 04 05 06 or email advice.unit@essexcc.gov.uk

The circuses may need to be licensed under the Licensing Act 2003. Please see related documents for details on Licensing Circuses.