By Bob Katzen
The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that effective January 1, 2025, would ban elephants, bears, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and other wild animals from being used in traveling circuses and other traveling shows in Massachusetts where they would be used to perform tricks, give rides or otherwise participate as an accompaniment for the entertainment of a live audience.
Violators would be fined between $500 and $10,000. The ban would not apply to zoos or to performances that take place at other non-mobile, permanent facilities if the covered animal is a resident animal at the same facility in which the performance takes place.
“Massachusetts has long been a leader in promoting animal welfare by enacting laws to protect animals from abuse and neglect, but most of our current laws apply to domestic animals and common household pets,” said co-sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “[The measure] would extend these same protections to exotic animals that are used in traveling exhibits and shows. These animals are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including prolonged periods of confinement and other forms of neglect and abuse, all to provide entertainment. Several communities in Massachusetts have already implemented local bans, but a statewide ban on traveling animal acts is long overdue.”
“I was deeply moved by the compelling evidence and public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts,” said co-sponsor Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “After taking a safari in Africa in 2019 … seeing these animals in their natural state highlighted the unnatural inhumane treatment these animals face in traveling acts. Now, as a sponsor of this legislation, I feel a strong obligation to ensure we bring about significant change. With over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters in favor of banning wild animal acts, it’s clear our constituents desire a future free of animal exploitation for entertainment. This bill, that has finally passed the House after 23 years of being filed, embodies that sentiment, underscoring our commitment to the humane treatment of animals.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes