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“Use of Animals in Haunted Attractions”

Shane Dabbs Graystone Manor

 

Are you using animals in your attraction?  If so you may want to read this.  I guess I need to give you a brief background of myself.

Aside from being Shane Dabbs AKA Graystone Manor, I have owned and maintained exotic animals for 22 years.  When I was given a U.S.D.A. license to own and house exotic animals in 1986 I was 18 years old.  At the time I was the youngest person to ever hold a U.S.D.A. license in this country.  At the time as well as now I still hold that title today.

What started out as the love for one lion club (George) turned into a full blown private collection that housed not only lions, but tigers, leopards, cougars, bears, primates, llamas, camels, deer, exotic  birds, and everything in between.  So yes you can say Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY!

I have had skunks and tigers in Lazy Boy commercials and cougars in numerous car commercials.  I have worked with Disney on promotional work for the Lion King as well as tigers with Disney on the Jungle Book.  I have also worked with Marvel Comic Books in which I supplied a leopard for Catwoman for a photo shoot.

I have also made guest appearances on the David Letterman Show as well as the talk show circuit with Maury Povich (when his shows were actually good and not shows about who’s your daddy).  Randy Rhodes and numerous local shows as well as my share of the Associated Press.  So with this article I want you to understand I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT HERE!

Let’s start with rats, mice, insects and snakes.  These are the most common animals found in the haunt industry today.  The U.S.D.A. states that all animals will be cared for and maintained in a humane way.  This means that these animals will be given proper daily care.  Clean cages, fresh bedding, as well as food and water.  Snakes shall have a heat rock, heating pad or warm light as well as fresh water.  Actually these are very simple and common sense house cleaning responsibilities.

If inspected and you have fresh bedding, food and water in a cage with a few rats or mice will you be ok?  YES.  If you have a nasty cage with rats and mice crawling all over each other will you be ok?  NO.  Now I know what you’re thinking the nastier and more disgusting it looks the better it’s going to be.  But that’s wrong for them as living breathing animals not you.  Would you live in filth?  Most haunt owners I am sure have not given much thought to this.  Take notice and be warned you don’t want the U.S.D.A. on you and even worse PETA (People for the Ethnic Treatment of Animals).If you have had nightmares about your local Fire Marshal or building inspector you have no idea of what a headache this can be.  Dealing with this group of people can be tough.  Not the mention the bad publicity you will get.  These people are relentless and will find every way in the world to make you look bad if they think you are endangering the animals well being.

Some guidelines, as a general rule no more than 6 small mice or 1 large rat for a cage that is 20”x10”x12” so when constructing a display/scene use these measurements.  If dealing with snakes for every 1 foot of snake you must have 2 feet of enclosure (example if your snake is 3 feet long it will need a display 6 feet in length).  As far as insects and spiders go it’s just really more of a common sense decision.

Now let’s move on the exotic animals this would be any wolf or wolf hybrid, exotic cats and primates, any animal that’s indigenous to your state.  First you must apply and obtain a U.S.D.A. license as well as apply for any state or local permits that maybe required.  Each state varies what they require.

As far as I know and can tell there are no attractions using these animals?  If they are they are not listed with the U.S.D.A. and I strongly suggest you contact them, as well as your local fish and wildlife officer.  Fines can run in the thousands of dollars as well as jail time.  Something most haunts can’t afford and don’t want.

Now let’s move on to the liability issue with rodents, insects and spiders in your haunt or attraction.  I would say it’s in the low to no risk category.  Snakes that are away from the public would also fall under the category.  Some haunts use actors that carry snakes around their necks this carries a much higher risk of liability and could cost you a lot especially if it’s not covered by your insurance company.

Boa’s and pythons are not poisonous but have a nasty bite, and in some people can cause an allergic reaction much like those who are allergic to wasp and bee stings and with some people could turn into a life or death situation.

Remember always think of the worst possible scenario and make the scene or scare when using them safe.  Not safe as possible but safe period.  I was once in court and heard a Judge tell a person that was involved with a situation that involved an animal “Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law”, and trust me there are laws with the use of animals.

Haunts here is the bottom line.  Just use common sense with animals.  Much like you would use them with your animations in your haunt.  With the right planning and thought mice, rats, insects and spiders can be an effective scare.  Anything other than using the bigger live animals I would say “DON’T DO IT!”

 In the early 90’s I used a live tiger (to this day I still have his offspring) and some snakes in a haunt that I was doing.  I actually let the snakes run loose crawling around on the floor in a room.  Would I do that today? NO! but when you’re young  you do stupid things.

In closing I would just like to offer a recap of things to think about, when using animals in your haunt.

1.       Check with your local offices such as animal control, game warden, and the U.S.D.A. for all local, state and federal laws that may pertain to you in your area, and apply for all the proper permits that may be need.

2.       Check with your insurance company and make sure you’re covered in the event of an accident.

3.       Build and construct enclosures as required by your local governing agencies.

4.       Remember general cleaning of the enclosures.  Keep fresh food and water as well as adequate ventilation.

5.       Don’t think once about it.  Think twice when incorporating animals into your event.  Following these simple but common sense guidelines you will be in compliance and everyone will have a frightful experience at your haunt with these fuzzy creatures.

Feel free to call me at (256)710-0515 or e-mail me at shanedabbs@aol.com for any questions you have.  Until then Peace, Love and Screams at scary places.

Shane Dabbs