From the Center Ring (cont’d from pg. 27)


is described as “an electrifying journey through time and Tinsel Town” by a “ghost-hunter-style gang of teens.” Circus Harmony of St. Louis (MO) will add another suc-


cess to its Peace Through Pyramids partnership pro- gram when its young artists travel to Stuttgart, Germany July 30–August 13 to perform with youngsters from Stuttgart’s Circus Circuli. Stuttgart is a sister city to St. Louis. When a violent tornado ripped through Tallahassee and


destroyed the Big Top Tent and all the circus equipment of Florida State University’s Flying High Circus, all seemed lost. However, with damages estimated at $850,000 and a


humongous cost of rebuilding exceeding $2.25 million, FSU and Flying High Circus exhibited the tenancy and dedica- tion of all great circus organizations and rebuilt it from the ground up. The new Flying High Circus facility is expected to be ready for its first performance in October. Kudos to FSU and the Flying High Circus! And finally, a ragtag group of self-proclaimed circus artists/


musicians, calling themselves Flotsam Circus, will join in the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal by performing acts on a makeshift raft while drifting down the Hudson and Erie Rivers from Buffalo to New York City.


Animal Legislation Update


by Vanessa Gagne, Government Relations & Communications Consultant USDA APHIS Animal Welfare Inspection Guide


T


his past June, USDA APHIS updat- ed the Animal Welfare Inspection Guide to clarify procedures and


ensure all documents are consistent with Congressional Directives. The new guidance specifically impacts the use of courtesy visits, informal site evalua- tions meant to help facilities understand and comply with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Courtesy visits remain available for


those considering AWA licensure, seek- ing guidance on compliance, or working to improve their prac- tices. For licensees who take animals to fairs, carnivals, and similar venues, these visits can be a valuable way to clarify requirements around temporary housing, transport, and public interaction — areas covered in sections like 4.3.2 (Inspection of Exhibitors at Temporary Locations), 4.8 (Traveling Exhibits), and related subsections of the Inspection Guide. However, under the updated rules, if an APHIS inspector


finds any direct non-compliance during a courtesy visit at an already licensed or registered facility, including those temporarily set up at fairs or carnivals, the visit will immedi- ately convert to a focused inspection. The inspector will doc- umentall violations,in- cluding both direct and other observed noncom- pliances, and APHIS will fol- lowupwithanunan- nounced inspection to ensure issues are correct- ed.Thisprocess is de- tailed in updated sections 1.5, 4.3.2, 4.3.2.2, 4.8, 4.8.2, and 4.8.3.2 of the Guide. It’s important to note


that during the previous administration, enforcement was generally stricter to- ward private owners of exotic animals. Many faced license denials, non-renew- als, and even confiscations — especial- ly after minor or technical violations. This history underscores the impor- tanceofstrictcomplianceand clear documentation. Going forward,


licensees that attend


fairs, carnivals, and other temporary events can use the following steps to


stay in compliance with the updated guidance:


 Review the updated Inspection Guide sections that apply to traveling and temporary exhibits (notably 4.3.2 and 4.8).


 Ensure all animal housing, transport, and public display practices meet the latest AWA regulations and standards before traveling.


 Treat all interactions with APHIS, even courtesy visits, as for- mal and be prepared for the possibility of a focused inspection.


 Keep detailed records of animal care, transport, and ex- hibit conditions. Proactive transparency can help prevent misunderstandings.


 If you experience regulatory pressure or encounter difficul- ties with licensure, consider seeking guidance from legal counsel or an industry association.


Given recent enforcement trends, it’s wise to maintain the


highest standards and remain vigilant about compliance espe- cially when exhibiting at fairs, carnivals, or other public events. OABA is always available to help answer questions and pro- vide guidance on the best animal welfare practices and regu- latory compliance issues for exhibitors.


See you down the road, Vanessa


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