Massachusetts bans the use of elephants, big cats, and other wild animals in circuses
The legislation received broad public support and reflects the industry’s increasing move away from forcing animals to perform.
Massachusetts has announced a “landmark” restriction on the use of wild animals in traveling shows and exhibits.
The legislation (H.4915) bans the use of elephants, lions, giraffes, and other animals in traveling acts like circuses.
“For years, circuses have harmed the welfare of animals for the sake of entertainment, allowing animals to suffer in poor living conditions and stressful environments,” said Gov. Maura Healey, who signed the bill into law today. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for taking the steps needed to prevent this kind of animal mistreatment in Massachusetts.”
The use of wild animals in traveling acts has long been a point of contention for animal welfare groups.
The wild animal entertainment industry has been criticized for its abusive training methods that use bullhooks, whips and electric prods, while animals must also endure being forced into prolonged confinement to be hauled from city to city.
Now, the state’s new legislation will prevent certain wild animals from suffering in these conditions, when it comes into force on January 1, 2025.
The legislation received broad support from politicians and the public, with over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters supporting the ban on wild animal acts, according to Chairwoman Carole Fiola, one of the bill’s sponsors.
The support comes after the state has witnessed various tragic incidents in recent years involving wild animals used for entertainment.
In 2019, an elephant collapsed and died in the district during the Big E Fair. Named Beulah, the elephant had been taken from her mother in the wild at a young age and spent her life in conditions that ultimately led to her premature death. By the time of her death, she had been used by her owners Commerford & Sons to give rides to circus and fairgoers for over 40 years.
The risk to human safety has also brought negative attention to wild animal acts. An 18-year-old girl was injured when she was bit by a capuchin monkey at a petting zoo in the Brockton Fair in Massachusetts in 2017. Most recently an elephant named Viola bolted from handlers for the third time, while performing in Montana earlier this year.
Across the US, there have been over 150 reported dangerous incidents at wild animal shows since 1990, according to figures from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). This includes 10 adult deaths, 136 adult injuries, and 73 injuries to children.
“After more than two decades of tireless advocacy to end the cruel exploitation of wild animals in circuses, our state has taken a monumental step forward to protect animals and the public”, Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director at HSUS, said on the bill’s passing. “Wild animals will no longer be subjected to a life of suffering for entertainment in our state.”
Massachusetts has now become the 11th state to enact restrictions on the use of wild animals in traveling exhibits and shows.
Want to take action for a nationwide ban on wild animal circuses in the US? Join Species Unite in urging Congress to finally pass the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act - add your name to the petition here.
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