Stop Circus Suffering

Pennsylvania State Senator Daylin Leach has reintroduced his bill to prohibit traveling wild and exotic animal acts. ADI has been honored to work with Senator Leach and his staff on the bill, reflecting increasing public recognition that these acts are both cruel to animals and dangerous for people.

Sponsor PA State Senator Leach said “To maximize profit, traveling exhibitions use grueling itineraries that force their animals to endure cramped living quarters, limited social interaction, and perpetual stress. This suffering is hidden from audiences, who witness only the power and grace of these magnificent animals. But now the secret is out. The public will not tolerate this unconscionable cruelty any longer.”

This news follows the introduction of a Massachusetts bill earlier in the week, as well as the Feld organization’s recent announcement that it will close Ringling Bros. circuses, citing decreased ticket sales over the last decade, a change in views from audiences, admitting that “It isn’t relevant to people in the same way.”

In the US, ADI is also supporting the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA), introduced to Congress last November by Representatives Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), The congressmen concluded that ending wild animal use is the only practical approach to deal with public safety issues and inspection and oversight problems repeatedly cited by the Office of the Inspector General.

Once a ban is in place, ADI has offered to assist with the relocation of circus animals should the need arise. Despite assurances from the circus industry, the physical and psychological health of animals in circuses is inevitably compromised. Animals in circuses are routinely subjected to brutal training methods and violence.

Take action!

• Support the Pennsylvania bill by clicking here and here.
• Push for a US-wide animal act ban »
• Join the global campaign to Stop Circus Suffering.